the spitting vessel

The Growing Graveyard in Gaza

2009-01-15T08:10:00.000-08:00

In that small strip of land called Gaza, it has become the problem of the living to bury the dead. Dying is such a regular occurrence that outstrips birthing and aging, and the Palestinians have run out of graveyards. Those buried by the rubble from the bombs and big guns of Israeli tanks may be retained where they perished. And if the Jewish State offensive continues, the entire Gaza may become a graveyard - not only of the mangled bodies of civilians, but also of the dreams of young Palestinians for a better existence and a place to call their homeland.

As of the 12th of January, 971 Gazans have been killed - one third of them children. Those that will eventually perish from diseases, wounds, and starvation brought on by the humanitarian crisis now engulfing the area, have yet to be factored in. The latest is that Israeli bombs have struck a United Nations aid storage facility, aggravating the already volatile and inadequate aid supply in the city. Israel has also struck the office facilities used by foreign journalists. Both bombs have been confirmed to contain phosphorous - a fact Israel has consistently denied.

Israel's claim of self-defense is not all that plausible. Prior to its recent barrage in Gaza, it has not suffered an armed attack, which in the UN Charter preserves the right of a state to retaliate. What Israel has initiated is a war of aggression. Since the rocket attacks versus Israel in 2002 commenced, about two dozen Israelis have perished. These attacks by Hamas may be considered war crimes; yet in the same period, Israel's retaliatory strikes have killed 2,700 Palestinians.

In June 2008, both sides agreed to a 6-month truce which neither party fully complied with. Hamas fired rockets into Israel after the Jewish State killed or seized Hamas members in the West Bank, and Israel's refusal to ease the blockade that effectively starved and suffocated Gaza. Israel then broke the truce in November 2008 and killed a Palestinian. The resulting Hamas rockets killed no one - but Israel then killed 5 more Palestinians. The current conflict was thus initiated by Israel's violation of the truce - and it cannot claim self-defense against this escalation because it was provoked by its own abuse.

This armed attack by Israel, unjustified as self-defense, is a war of aggression; and definitely a war crime. And although it has withdrawn its soldiers and settlers in Gaza since 2005, Israel continues to strictly control the coast, borders and airspace, making the Jewish State an occupying power with the legal obligation to protect the civilian population. Hamas can be charged for its violative tactic of using civilians and governmental facilities as shields in launching attacks on Israel, but it is not as serious as Israel's crime of launcing a war of aggression against the civilian population.

The idea that the constant battering of the Palestinians will soften them and accept the peace Israel wants to impose on its own terms, is unrealistic. It will only fuel hardened hatred and rage against them. The statements by Condi Rice and George Bush admonishing Hamas to desist from firing rockets is a subtle way of projecting that Hamas is the aggressor. It is both laughable and incredible, since Israeli tanks are inside Gaza bombarding the city to rubble, its planes dropping bombs, while its ships blasting at Gaza from the coast - yet no admonishing is given to Israel. The lopsided statements have resurfaced America's ugly and obnoxious image in the Middle East.

Talks of a truce have been initiated, but the latest bombardment that burned the food, medicine, fuel, and water supplies of the UN to ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, puts into question Israel's idea of peace. It may be that Israel's concept of peace is an exact copy of America's pacification campaign in the old west against the native Americans - that peace, as a goal of the Jewish State means no Palestinian left standing alive - either by bullets, bombs, disease, starvation, or intolerable misery. And that no possible regeneration will ever take place. Gaza will then be recorded and renowned in history as the graveyard of Palestinians, and the burial site of their dreams of a Palestinian State.

Haaaarrrrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Source: Johann Hari, The True Story Behind the War is not the One Israel isTelling
George E. Bisharat, Israel is Committing War Crimes
news.bbc.co.uk

Nativity

2008-12-25T21:24:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas To Everyone!

To all my dearest friends, readers, regular commenters, Entrecard droppers, and all those who at one time or another participated in the discussions on this site; thank you and may the blessings of the season be with you.

For all those still struggling with tyranny and the oppression of their leaders, may the hope generated by the holidays uplift your spirits to continue the efforts for freedom and a better life.

To those we've known who suffer from hunger, disease, and deprivation that are aggravated by the wanton corruption, denial, incompetence, and abandonment by their leaders - may the joy of the Savior's birth heal you, nourish and strengthen you, and guide you to the fulfillment of even your simplest dreams.

For those who have lost their homes, property, savings, and the many more threatened by the same fate; may the essence of the holidays give you the endurance to proceed towards a life lived in simplicity, kindness, and the realization of the plight of those with a lot less than what you've had; and may your generosity towards your fellowmen, of whatever nation, race or religion, be enhanced by this experience that would lead to better understanding and co-existence.

For those who live in areas of war and conflict, may the spirit of Peace grace your orientation and settle into your sense of humanity, and make you realize that all races or religions have a lot more in common than differences - and that these differences are not threats to the existence of others if tolerance and understanding prevails in the spirit of Peace.

And may citizens of this planet we call Earth finally move as one under the realization that we are all brothers; and that this small piece of rock in the universe we call home, which is under attack from the abuse and unabated wasteful consumption of some of the most profligate members of mankind, finally find the light and guiding star to unite as one and save the only home we will ever have, and the only home we will ever know.

Capturing Consumers via the Cold and the Crisis

2008-12-18T04:06:00.000-08:00

In the minds of most people, the mere mention of Siberia produces images of an eternally snow covered and vast wasteland, known to be the final destination of Russian dissidents during the communist regime; where they were frozen in time from the memories of the people, or merely froze to death. It comes as a surprise that this once barren and forsaken expanse has a Capital in Novosibirsk, with a population of over 1.3 million people. The bigger surprise is that it is the home of Inmarko, a company that is the biggest ice-cream maker in the entire Russian nation.

The city was established in 1893, and was named after Tsar Nicholas II. It has none of the natural resources that the country is heavily dependent upon for its economic engines, and no industrial areas nor factories either. What it has are universities and research institutes that produce a lot of creative ideas from people who refuse to be cowed, intimidated, nor demoralized by a global financial crisis. They are happy to meet the crisis head on - despite the minus 25 degree weather almost all year round.

However, after 118 years of existence, its small population may be an indication of a cold and calculating race of people. They may not be a very romantic lot - cold to one another and having difficulty warming up to a relationship - or are terribly inhibited by the cold that they fail to remove their clothes when in the process of fully expressing their love for each other. Unless of course they prefer to preserve their respective reproductive cells for the day when global warming finally brings the heat to the place.

To outsiders, their fondness for ice cream (a $200 million company business) presents a stunning image (300 shops in Novosibirsk alone selling nothing but ice cream). But it should come as no surprise since the land was buried in ice and that's all their grandparents had to live on for sometime, flavored by whatever comes with it. To this end, Inmarko pays tribute by coming up with popular flavors such as black pepper, ice cream with fish, and a flavor called Vampire - a small stake of aspen wood stabbed into the ice cream. It wouldn't be surprising if the highest priced flavor is cannabis and cream.

However, the world should credit them for going into such a venture in the midst of all that ice, and nurture a company that has dominated the Russian market. It lends credence to the concept that similarities exist within people from whatever part of the world.

The Russian taste buds are just different from the rest as attested to by preferred flavors. But the world can find comfort in the fact that on major issues, similarities are more pronounced - especially among the more powerful nations and those emerging powerful ones. These are : domination, hegemony, political expediency, self-interest and greed.

Perhaps nations of the world should share their ice cream instead - whatever flavors these are made of.

Haaarrrrrrwwwwwwk...Twoooooooooph...Ting!

Shocked, Shamed, and Shooed by a Shoe Thrower

2008-12-16T00:33:00.000-08:00

The United States Secret Service have always dedicated themselves to the idea of taking a bullet for the President, sacrificing their lives to save the most powerful man on earth. This has been proven many times throughout its history. Security arrangements for the US President always precedes the visit by at least 2 days, to ensure utmost safety, and to assure that all precautions are taken with all factors considered, and activities moving with pinpoint precision. While the US Secret service are willing to die, they may not be willing to take a shoe, and leave it up to their President to be agile enough to duck.

The good news is that President Bush knows how to duck, it's what he's been doing for the last 8 years - ducking all the exposed actions and machinations of his administration that are immoral and illegal with falsified reports, spurious constitutional arguments and outright lies. But the Secret Service has been caught napping by Iraqi reporter and shoe thrower Muntandhar al-Zeidi. What is most embarrassing is that the Iraq trip was supposed to be top secret, where they even released a schedule of activities for the President, only to be seen on a news video being shooed with a shoe, followed by the words " Take a farewell kiss you dog".

The news conference with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was held in the green zone - the most heavily secured part of Baghdad - which turned out to be of questionable safety since the Secret Service and those securing the zone had not checked the background of the Al-Baghdadiya reporter who had been kidnapped as a result of the conflict and has always hated the US presence and Iranian interference. The Secret Service failed to thwart the shoe throwing which was done twice, and could have made the President of the United States kiss corrugated rubber or worn out camel leather with a dash or Iraqi sand. Or, have a visible external lump on his head from the sole of a smelly, dirty shoe - not that he has no internal lumps on his head from constant knocking with the fists from all his superiors and father for mangling the English language - but such a violently caused lump is a shame that all Americans would feel.

While it represents accurately what many Iraqis feel about America and Bush in particular, shaming Americans is too much of an additional burden for the already economically punished citizens. They have been embarrassed enough by 8 years of bungling and cover ups, by the loss of their homes, jobs, and incomes, by the disposal of their very personal belongings to pawnshops to generate needed cash for required expenses to keep themselves afloat. Bush is still the President, a choice many regret after two terms, but any humiliation he gets in a foreign country is a humiliation for Americans. This secret trip should not have been made, and perhaops President Bush should simply be locked up somewhere until Barack Obama's inauguration - to prevent any more miscues and untoward incidents that would only add to his long list of inanities.

The shoe thrower has become a hero, hailed by Arabs and Iraqis who rallied in the streets asking for his release - invoking the freedom of expression provision in Iraq's American made constitution. He has risen from obscurity to become a symbol for Iraq's self governance and interference free political and economic life. A big difference a pair of shoes make - and it is not surprising if many Arabs and even Americans would want to be in al-Zeidi's shoes - or rather have the sole of their shoes caress the face of the outgoing President as a going away relief from all the anxieties brought by the policies and management he has employed. This would perhaps lay to rest their confused predicament, and put an end to their arduous soul searching for what went wrong - and find solace in the sole act of letting their shoes fly.

As to the Secret Service, well the incident on video cannot be kept secret, and their service to an outgoing President has lapsed into disservice. These assigned people need to be retrained for they may have been infected by the incompetence virus of Bush and company after 8 years of exposure.

Haaaarrrrrrwwwwwk...Twooooooooooph...Ting!

Devastating Defeat for De la Hoya

2008-12-08T04:47:00.000-08:00

Saving a cherished reputation of never being knocked out in a legendary 10 year career that brought him an unprecedented 6 titles in as many divisions, Oscar de la Hoya managed to accomplish only that, nothing else. Yet his surrender after the 8th round made that same reputation hollow and meaningless. Touted as a true warrior who faced many fierce battles, de la Hoya's failure to fight to the death, like a true warrior, cast serious doubt on his spirit and substance as a tested fighter who never loses heart. On this fateful night, de la Hoya lost everything.

In the fight top billed as the Dream Match, Oscar lost the agility in his legs, his penetrating jabs were neutralized, his power punches blocked or evaded, his surgical approach dismantled, his speed was jammed into a halt - until the fight in him vanished. He didn't do this to himself, but was masterfully executed by Manny Pacquiao, who had triumphed over all Mexicans put in front of him until they could no longer find a match for his superior fighting skills. The last Mexican standing was a legend who was bigger, heavier, with longer reach and a reputation to protect - all the elements that bolster an advantage which made the Pacman the underdog. What Oscar did to himself was to lose heart and give up to evade an outright knockout. In the process, he also lost his reputation as a true warrior.

Ringside statistics attest to the domination by Pacquiao in the lopsided fight that made Oscar looked anything but old and retireable. His speed, power, agility, and fight strategy proved beyond doubt that he is the world's best pound-for-pound fighter there is. Pacquiao pummeled de la Hoya like a permissive punching bag, hitting him at will with 224 out of 585 punches landing, as against Oscar's 83 out of 402. He also gave Oscar 45 power punches in the 7th round versus only four received by the Pacman which threw de la Hoya at the center of the ring. Two of the 3 judges gave Pacquiao all the 8 rounds except for one judge who gave Oscar the first round. Manny Pacquiao put on a spectacular display; while Oscar de la Hoya, who was a mere shell of his old self, put on a pathetic performance.

Manny Pacquiao has unwittingly put an end to a remarkable story, one that began in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics when a young Oscar de la Hoya won the gold in a skillfully executed bout. He went on to become the biggest box office draw in boxing. In the last 6 years however, he has not won a major bout. In this match, he no longer had the elements to mount a counter attack to win the fight. He was all spent and wasted. His only other stoppage came via a referee's decision, this time, he concurred with his handlers.The decision was his, and he opted to end it standing up. All is not lost for he earned a substantially sizeable amount for his closed left eye and swollen face. Perhaps pride can be covered with money, which seems to be the main reason for this battle. Oscar de la Hoya has come full circle, from a fighting legend to a shrewd businessman.

The power of Pacquiao's punches may be greatly aided by his faith and augmented in large part by his prayers and those of around 50 million of 82 million Filipinos. He has defeated a legend, and has himself become one. He bears the weight of an entire nation on his shoulders whenever he goes up the ring, and dedicated each of his fights to the people of his country. He prays before and after a fight, win or lose; and refuses to give up even when badly beaten, heavily cut, and profusely bleeding - much like his idol Oscar de la Hoya some years ago. Perhaps a fighter loses part of his spirit with every punch received over the years - all because of their stubborn refusal to stop. The addiction to glory in a viciously violent encounter boosts their ego and makes them deny their diminishing power and strength, in an event so primitive yet continues to salivate a supposed civilized world in watching two men rearrange each other's face and bones; and become ecstatic at seeing blood and gore.

The Filipino people and the Filipino nation should be prepared to pray that Pacquiao cease this brutal sport while he is in one piece. He has done more than enough for the country and to the upliftment of the Filipino psyche' and spirit, more than any politician ever has. Pacquiao's humanity and sacrifice has encouraged unity and peace - the least the Filipino nation can do is to honor him in peace and let him enjoy the fruits of his very excruciating labors. The peak is the best place to end a quest. Pray that he isn't knocked senseless by all the adoration and the summer acquaintances who shower praise - yet disappear when the rains pour.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

Ilumina : Investing in Inovention

2008-12-01T22:30:00.000-08:00

Revolutions belong to the young, those who refuse to yield to the boundaries and limitations laid out by elders who hold power; and who stifle their freedom to express their concept of what is right for their generation. These are achievers who are not content with choices dictated by commercial interests, but rather adhere to function and adaptability; yet are denied the power to access resources that would fulfill their dreams which defy long held assumptions and conventions. These young revolutionaries are the Inoventors.

A core group of very young, talented, and adventurous Filipinos whose audacity is molded in idealism and tempered by nationalistic fervor have launched an Inovention Revolution that will install the Philippines to a position of global leadership in consumer electronics technology. Innovation and invention are their driving forces, and they have set up a company (Inovent Inc.) that unveiled the first true LCD Interactive Television. These young men see only a future where true convergence exists, unbound by various meshes of business ecosystems catering only to specific interest groups. Their optimism generates enough energy to break whatever challenge is brought their way; their enthusiasm and belief in what they have begun is more than enough to raise a groundswell of adherents and supporters.

The product, dubbed "ilumina", is a television set with the power and brain of a personal computer. It has a flat 32 inch LCD display screen, a 1 terrabyte hard drive, and a multimedia center that allows owners to listen to music, see movies, watch and record TV shows and surf the web. It has a USB port, is wifi enabled, plus a video camera that eliminates the need for separate players and multiple connections. It is compatible with any type of keyboard including the mac wireless keypad. The "gadget" represents the changing lifestyles of today's generation and those emerging multimedia users of the future. It is a revolution in industrial design spawned by functionality, substance, divergence and physical aesthetics that addresses the unspoken demands of an undefined constituency; large enough to create a major market, but ignored by traditional manufacturers whose concerns are focused on the mutual benefits shared with their ecosystem partners.

Exponents of the Inovent Revolution who created the "ilumina" targeted the 30th of November for the unveiling of the product, for it represents the anniversary of the Birth of the Philippine Revolution against foreign domination represented by Spain in 1896. The launch was held at Fully Booked on Bonifacio Avenue in Global city. The leader of the 1896 Philippine Revolution was Andres Bonifacio, for whom the street was named - who was a young and idealistic Filipino who dared raise the cry for freedom more than a century ago. The choice of Global City may not be coincidental as this revolutionary product is destined for global leadership.

The first revolution was a failure, and Filipinos had to endure American and Japanese rule which ended in 1946, but only on paper. Its economic policies, foreign policies and commercial activities remain foreign dominated. The "ilumina" is a historic inovention that champions the Filipino idea, the Filipino ingenuity, capability, creativity, management expertise, and multi-disciplinary harmony in creating synergy that is competitive and world class. These revolutionaries seek support and ask Filipinos to invest in inovention, invest in ilumina, and to invest in Filipino pride.

The revolution has begun and it is headed towards a victorious destination. All it requires is the sustaining power that comes from the patronage of its countrymen in terms of venture capital and subsequent product acquisition. Success is imminent, freedom is on the horizon, and honor for Filipinos globally is at hand. It cannot be prevented. Unless, Filipinos themselves turn their backs and opt for foreign created products that will once again abandon the revolution and leave its proponents to become orphaned non-entities. Should this transpire, the Filipinos shall be doomed to enslavement for one hundred more years. Heaven forbid!

Haaaarrrrrwwwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

Bringing the Bees Back for Breakfast

2008-11-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

The phenomenon of the continued decimation of bee populations signals an additional burden for the already difficult times ahead. The pollination of edible plants and vegetation is largely dependent on these busy insects whose efforts impact on food supply, including those that are used for animal feeds that breed livestock for human consumption. It would not matter one bit if the population of politicians globally were the ones being decimated, there's more than enough of them to endanger global harmony. But the bees are the better breed whose quiet productive activities and sustained contributions are not bound by race, country, ideology nor political party.

Members of the European Parliament have raised the alarm over the critical actions needed to save the world's bee populations, joining a growing number of scientists, non-government institutions, and citizen's organizations who have echoed the concerns of bee keepers all over Europe. The threat to Europe is very alarming as two of their largest beekeeping countries (Italy at 1.09 million hives and France at 1.2 million hives) have registered a bee mortality rate of 40% to 50%. These are countries with industrial scale bee keeping industries that have been reduced to about half of their normal production output. The threat is so serious that a name has been given to it: Colony Collapse Disorder.

Decline in bee populations does not only affect the supply of honey, but also the much heralded European institution known as the Continental breakfast - which could become a bleakfast. Bees pollinate almond trees whose nuts provide the filling for almond croissants. The one Euro cup of coffee, as well as the orange juice would increase in price since bees pollinate the majority of coffee plants and orange trees. Bees also pollinate most types of plants used for animal feed, and if livestock producers resort to cereals, the price of milk would also escalate.

Scientists suspect a kind of mite that suck the blood of bees as the culprit behind the bee mortality rate. Also considered are changing weather conditions such as the amount of rainfall in the last two summers. The Members of the European Parliament are looking at the creation of special recovery zones of arable land full of nectar rich plants that could help the bee populations to recover. Although a bit late, the beekeeping industry is happy with the attention obtained from the European politicians.

If the European politicians would busy themselves with this threat and work as hard as the bees they intend to save, the Continental breakfast will surely survive. However, if they take their normal pace, Europeans will be eating dead bees for breakfast - and the politicians will be eaten alive by the people because of it.

Haaaarrrrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Bewildered By A Blank Belly Button

2008-11-24T23:39:00.000-08:00

The fixation people have about what is normal is a powerful framework that often generates bewilderment when confronted with a deviation from an accepted standard. The absence of something as minor as a belly button could trigger wild speculations in an attempt to find a suitable explanation that would placate their mindsets; or satisfy their mischievous and derisive nature.

This was the furor that greeted Czech Supermodel Karolina Kurkova when she climbed the catwalk to model the underwear line of Victoria's Secret. Her non-existent belly button puzzled the audience and sent the press into a frenzy of conjecture that prompted the model's agent to declare that she's not an alien. Questions like "How was she fed when she was in the womb without an umbilical cord"? "Was she a test tube baby fed intravenously"? " Did she have it erased because it was unsightly"? Or, "Is her belly button located somewhere else that remains unseen even when wearing only undergarments"? "Isn't that freakish"?

Scientific explanations have been put forward about the phenemenon of the missing belly button or navel. One speaks of a weakness in the abdominal wall after developing a small hernia, which requires removal; or as part of a tummy tuck procedure. Ms. Kurkova herself has not offered any explanation why her abdomen is smooth and without any trace of where an umbilical cord used to be. Some argue that a belly button coud be made surgically to complete the body structure, as if one would be an incomplete individual without it. Others say it has much lesser sex appeal, elevating the belly button to the stature of a sex organ when it is merely the severed skin from which chewed food passed through direct to the infant's stomach.

Other people's notions of what should and what must be present need not be dictated upon those who choose to be without these "natural" body elements. Besides, she's modeling outer wear and undergarments, and there's no such thing as a garment for the belly button, unless they begin to invent one. Kurkova is withinn her rights not to reveal any reason for its absence, even if she happened to swallow her navel at a point in her life when she was hungry and without means.

The missing navel has not diminished her career one bit, but has even enhanced it. It is not far fetched to expect other models to follow suit. At the rate she's earning from her modeling career, around 2 million pounds a year, she could easily have a navel or two crafted if she wants to, or even fill her entire body with belly buttons for those who are interested in "pressing her right buttons".

In the lull between the much awaited end to the Bush Administration and the anticipation of the Barack Obama inauguration, the American press is trying to entertain itself with inanities that measure the depth of their mental abilities.

Haaarrrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Prelude to the Pied Piper's Peak Performance

2008-11-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

The resurgence of rats in the town of Hamelin, coming at a time when Germany's mighty economy slipped into recession, may be an ominous sign of unsavory events about to impact on the German nation. The rat infestation that plagued the town over 700 years before has reemerged from its legendary past, in an eerie development that seems to challenge the community's resolve to contest their existence. The rats have consolidated to do battle with the 21st century Pied Piper, and in the process, seek to alter the outcome of that classic deception and change the legend that has stood for more than seven centuries.

In the year 1284, based on the legend that sprang from Hamelin, this German town was overrun with rats that wreaked havoc on the its growth, development and regular activities of daily living; creating dysfunctional social relationships, conflict among citizens, and misery for the entire population. A pied Piper was hired to rid the town of its misery with a promise of compensation. The Pied Piper played music that entranced the rats and lured them in the river to drown. After his success, the townspeople reneged on their promise to pay, which compelled the Piper to teach them a lesson by luring all of the town's children in a cave and locking them inside with him, never to be seen again.

This year's rats are in an abandoned allotment site at the edge of town, but threatens to spread to neighboring housing estates. The rat population has exploded on the site and the town has sought outside assistance for its control and elimination. Response has been coming in, but this battle is a mere speck that the people of Hamelin, and Germany as a whole, need to fight. Germany's enviable economy had been infested with rats in investment banking clothing who feasted on the bounty and wealth of the country. As the economy suffered by the sheer volume of their insatiable greed and growing numbers, they infected adherents in government as well. And when the collapse was declared last Thursday, these rats even attempted to take a huge chunk of what was left for the winter of their avaricious lives.

A Pied Piper is indeed needed, not only for Hamelin but for Germany; to lure these dirty rats out into the open where they can be drowned - even from the spit of the entire German population. Next year, Hamelin plans to celebrate the 725th anniversary of the Pied Piper's conquest of the plague, together with a huge children's procession - even if the children were sacrificed by the Piper in the original story. Today, it is the citizens that are being sacrificed by allowing the rats to remain free and enjoy their spurious wealth. It would do well for the citizens and the government to celebrate the Pied Piper's anniversary by identifying these rats and locking them all in prison, never to be seen again. Or perhaps, to send them over to Hamelin, bound at the allotment site, to be feasted on by their ilk.

Haaaarrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Beautiful Butterfly by the Blogsite

2008-11-19T19:04:00.000-08:00

A butterfly has metamorphosed on The Spitting Vessel courtesy of Jenaisle, site owner of Gewgaw Writings. The recognition is for being one of the "coolest" blogs known to the endorser of the award. Unknown to many perhaps is what a butterfly symbolizes.

A butterfly in folklore is a keeper of secrets. Once a secret is whispered to it, the butterfly carries the secret straight to the ears of the Great Spirit. Butterflies freed helps restore the balance of nature, which helps fulfill man's wishes. It is also a symbol of change, and the dancing pattern of its flight is a reminder for man not to take things too seriously. The most powerful symbol a butterfly represents is transformation, an excellent imagery for one contemplating change or is in the midst of change; where change need not be distressing nor painful.

Butterflies have also been used in many faiths and religions; as in a soul seeking reincarnation, or the soul of a loved one visiting family to send a message, or to provide warnings of impending danger. In its most profound form, a butterfly is a symbol of the transformation of the soul.

So to Jenaisle of Gewgaw Writings, the Spitting Vessel thanks you very much for the symbolism that this recognition represents.

Source: Vlinder, Butterfly Symbolisms.
http://www.vlinder-01.dds.nl/butterfly-symbolism.htm

A Communion of Church and Citizens

2008-11-16T13:31:00.000-08:00

Whoever brought up the idea that those people who were once under communist regimes were themselves godless have not been to Russia. In Komarovo, a small village located some 300 kilometers from Moscow, there is an acceptance of the fact that the Church is their savior - that it will deliver them from poverty and hunger - by keeping faith in the tradition of taking Church property and religious icons to sell to collectors; and using the structures to build their homes or sell it off as construction materials. It's durability tested by the number of decades or centuries it has survived.

Remote rural churches have been the favorite target of thieves, but this time their religious fervor seemed to have risen to great heights. A whole church, which was built in 1809 and owned by the Russian Orthodox Church, has disappeared. What was left of the 200 year old two-story building are the foundations and some wall sections. The Church of the Resurrection, as it was known, had miraculously ascended into Heaven. The structure was intact when last seen in July, but thieves must have dismantled it brick by brick after emptying its interior contents religiously. By October, the Church had vanished.

Investigations will not reveal what was done or who took part in it, perhaps because all of the villagers have benefitted from its disappearance. No one is claiming any miraculous act of God about the now invisible Church, and all villagers could be solemnly praying that attention is drawn away from them and their village to ease whatever guilt they might have. The incident could be another unsolved crime as far as authorities are concerned. They are not hopeful that the Church would Resurrect in the same place or in other locations anytime in the future; but could appear in bits and parts in areas where the market for these items are faithfully sold, miraculously presented, and spiritually priced. These have always been prized items that brought citizens closer to the Church, and which has proven the power of the motto "In God We Trust" - for their survival and well being.

Haaaaarrrrrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

The Practice of Promoting a Pleasure Paradise

2008-11-15T10:20:00.000-08:00

If promoting hedonism in its most basic form is an excellent idea for combating the credit crunch and global recession, people will enjoy the pursuit of pleasure even if they're penniless. The question of how man can live in pleasure if he is without means can be achieved by enjoying life in abject poverty - it's one of the few things money can't buy and free for all to experience. As insane as this may sound, this is the same logic being promoted by a resort in North Queensland, Australia. The nudist resort is heralding a month long "anything goes party" in March 2009, to combat the current financial difficulties.

The White Cockatoo in Mossman is not to be confused as a place for whites only, regardless of its name. Cockatoo is a parrot specie, not a crotch appendage. Resort owner Tony Fox has lifted the three year ban on partner swapping "because tough times call for stiff measures". This obviously intended pun is perhaps part of his promotional practice. Yet the nudist paradise has been deluged with inquiries from couples who would like to escape from the harsh realities they face with nothing but their bare essentials and the basest of intentions. It may well be a release of tension by indulging the ups and downs of carefree living and pursuing the ins and outs of pleasure seeking - performed with a stiff standing capital and pushing ambition - even if the only results would be fatigue, jealousies, broken unions, unwanted pregnancies, dreaded diseases, and an exposure of their shortcomings.

Cairns Mayor Val Schier was not opposed to the month long feast for as long as "it is between consenting adults". Assuming they come with their real wives or husbands, both consenting to break their vows to each other, this alone is anathema to continue being married. And what of the partner others bring along, are these safe alternatives? Even while they have the opportunity to scan the menu with their naked eyes (not the only thing undressed though), the old adage of the "proof of the pudding is in the eating" can be a dangerous threat to healthy living. The irony is that these people profess to seek pleasure yet enjoy no real lasting satisfaction out of it. The concept is pathetically flawed. And so are the hedonists.

Misplaced concerns were aired by Cairns Bishop James Foley (very close to Folly) about the code of moral behavior of people going to the feast. There is absolutely nothing to worry about in terms of moral code...they haven't got any.

Haaaarrrrrrwwwk...Twoooooooooph Ting!

Performance for a Presidency in Peril

2008-11-12T19:52:00.000-08:00

Barack Obama's triumph was favored by history. The conditions that emerged at the precise point of his arrival and the sentiment of the youth long jaded by their disdain for politicians, joined by the more enlightened older citizens who risked the familiar standards for leaders, to invest in hope; have ushered him into the limelight of the global stage. His success or failure will determine whether or not a non-white will ever again be elected President of the United States. The times called for a historic moment, but the moment will come when it is time for his performance to be judged by history. And therein lies the peril.

Today, he is a symbol of change, but transforming the symbol into more concrete and meaningful terms for a deeply divided society after a bitterly fought contest remains vague. Its timetable indefinite. Other sectors of American society have, like the African Americans, also experienced discrimination - perhaps not as extensive as the slavery and persecution of the other half of his race - but substantially significant. All these sectors have high expectations that his call for unity of all classes and races, genders and faiths will translate into a rebirth of American society that will afford them the equality that has long eluded them.

Mr. Obama's promised tax cut to 95% of Americans, access to better health care for over 45 million citizens, a huge number of teachers provided with better salaries to improve the school system, are all money draining efforts that go on top of a budget deficit of around $500 billion and a national debt that could breach the $11 trillion mark. Foreign policy is a defining area for any President, and here he will be faced with two wars that cannot be won conventionally nor ended definitely. Both wars burden the economy, yet he must fulfill the Afghanistan promise of an end to the conflict that has already spread to its ambivalent Pakistan ally. He must also mind the nuclear ambitions of Iran and seek a withdrawal from Iraq without unduly enhancing Iranian influence in the region. A task that requires the strength of Hercules and the wisdom of Solomon.

There are, however, two elements that could tide him over - the goodwill that he generated worldwide and his masterful eloquence in communication. How far that goodwill will take him by way of getting the international community to support his initiatives may be dependent on trade-offs he may have to negotiate. Whether these trade-offs would be acceptable to a yet divided but watchful nation deserves serious consideration. He will then have to use his gift for communication - especially when events turn dark, promises are deferred, or doubts persist - to synthesize situations and extract its essence; and to outline the country's directions to overcome any obstacle in its path to a just and humane society. He will need all the graceful eloquence of his words to uplift the spirit of a nation broken by the unconscionable acts of the high and mighty.

For President Obama, failure is a gargantuan luxury, and there will always be those lurking behind dark intentions to see that success is kept at a distance, while scandal is a breath away. It would seem that an African American holding a powerful position would safely deliver all other ethnic groups on the road to equality. This is an illusion at worst and wishful thinking at best, for it will be a Presidency that will perform in constant peril. If not from the enemies of America, it will be from the enemies of hope and change.

Harrrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

NOTICE:

2008-11-06T04:48:00.000-08:00

Jenaisle of Gewgaw Writings is collecting "Inspirational Stories from Bloggers All Over the World", which she will publish in a book of the same title. Bloggers interested in joining, or having their articles/posts included, may visit her site to submit their stories.

The book is scheduled for publication on August 2009. The site provides a generous incentive for articles/posts submitted and accepted. She also posts each of the accepted stories.

For the past week, Gewgaw Writings has posted the Spitting Vessel's story published last May 2008 for Mother's day. The post title is "Memories for my Mother".

History's Hour of Hope

2008-11-04T23:50:00.000-08:00

At approximately 11:14 GMT on the 4th 0f N0vember 2008, amidst throngs of supporters drawing their last ounces of strength, history of undeniable global proportions was made with the election of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Nations of the world eagerly awaited the outcome, together with people of all races and social standing, because deep down, this election will have an impact on their lives and their existence. It was an exhausting contest that witnessed Americans speak with their votes, that in this period of its being, hope triumphed over fear.

This hope must however be translated into positive endeavors if it is to work for America. The promises made and the needs that must be filled are not dependent on one man alone. Hope must be grounded on the reality that not all can be achieved in a single term, nor could all goals be possibly attained. Americans face tremendous challenges which need to be dealt with when the euphoria of celebration dissipates, or the unimaginable disappointment of defeat is overcome. They must come together, be vigilant, and participate in the redirection of their country, its policies, and its resources; to restore its prestige in the community of nations.

It is in the interest of the victors and those defeated to heal the wounds that emerged from the hate, intolerance and ideological differences that may have been generated by the arduous and bitter campaign; and those wounds re-opened by racial, religious and gender prejudices should be laid to rest eternally. Americans must seek ways to unite the nation, rather than divide it; exert efforts to provide social justice, rather than social inequities; create the means for all sectors, segments, races, and opinions to be heard and considered, rather than quashed and discarded; in order to reclaim its title as the bastion of democracy.

Republicans must consolidate to rebuild their party and reinvigorate its base with new visions that are relevant for the 21st century, and ideals that relate to progress for all Americans, rather than the protection and preservation of a status quo enjoyed by a few. The GOP must reconstruct to fiscalize since there is danger for democracy in the centralization of power in a single , dominant party.

It is up to Americans to muster their vaunted energies, natural resilience, national pride, and ability to close ranks - to harness their limited but enormous resources for a united purpose and meaningful set of objectives: their faith in themselves as a people, their dignity as a nation, and their decency as members of the human race. They must eliminate the fantasies that clouded their judgments and the myths that caused their recklessness. Americans have the capability to take their country to the heights of glory or the depths of despair. And whatever they do, whether they realize it or not; wherever they take their country, they will inevitably take the world with them.

The United States may or may not emerge as the most powerful nation on earth, nor the most prosperous, but it will continue to be a major player in the balance of power in the world, with the ability to influence how this balance is sustained for the benefit of peace and survival of the planet.

Americans have spoken withn the selection of a new leader, but the message of hope awaits fulfillment. The single, most immediate, and most powerful message sent by its citizens to the world with the election of Barack Hussein Obama is that indeed, in America, all men are created equal.

Whether they can remain equal, safe, and secure after their creation is the more profound message that needs to be expressed - in a future without uncertainty, in a world without inequality.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Gratitude for a Great and Generous Gift

2008-11-04T08:53:00.000-08:00

There is no greater honor than being recognized and awarded by one whom the Spitting Vessel has the highest regard for as a human being, a mother, a genteel woman, and artist of immense talent and generosity. Kim Barker of Laketrees, has conducted one of the most meaningful competitions on the blogosphere; and, for the third time, has offered a portrait of the winner's choice of subject, which she will execute herself and pay for its transport to the winner's location. Beyond the monetary value of the gift that goes into thousands of dollars is the priceless meaning of this creation that will last several lifetimes. The competition for this overwhelming Christmas gift this year was won by the Spitting Vessel.

The gratitude that this site has for this valued gift cannot be expressed in words, since the meaning and purpose of this victory represents a symbol between parent and child, father and daughter, baby boomer and generation X; where bonds of deep affection and respect will be enriched by trust and faith. Trust in the choice made for a lifetime partner and in the manner in which that choice was nurtured by discernment, resulting from sound parental guidance; and faith in the efforts exerted to provide the proper upbringing for children within one's capacity and means, regardless of how imperfect the provider is, or the number of missteps and flaws that transpired in the process. And in this symbol, the Spitting Vessel is privileged to to say that Kim Barker has serendipitously contributed much to its fulfillment. Her kind nature and innate generosity has crossed paths with the need to seal these bonds, to blend perfectly with the unspoken message that required a wordless representation.

To Kim Barker and Laketrees, thank you very much. To Jan Dean who judged the entries, the Spitting Vessel realizes it was a difficult choice and anyone could have won. But this site thanks you for the criteria you made and for the decision you have arrived at. :-) --Durano, done!

A Masterful Maltreatment by McCain

2008-11-01T02:07:00.000-07:00

NOTE: This was received via e-mail today. It is a first person encounter with John McCain by Mary Kay Gamel, a literature and classics professor at UCSC. She is asking people to disseminate this letter to shed light on the character and attitudes of candidate John McCain.

My Holiday with John McCain

It was just before John McCain's last run at the presidential nomination in 2000 that my husband and I vacationed in Turtle Island, in Fiji, with John McCain, Cindy and their children, including Bridget (their adopted Bangladeshi child).

It was not our intention, but our misfortune to be in close quarters with John McCain for almost a week, since Turtle island has a small number of bungalows and their focus on communal meals force all vacationers who are there at the same time to get to know each other intimately.

He arrived at our first group meal and started reading quotes from a pile of William Faulkner books with a forest of Post-Its sticking out of them. As an English Literature major myself my first thought was "If he likes this so much, why hasn't he memorized any of these yet"?

I soon realized that McCain actually thought we had come on vacation to be a volunteer audience for his "readings" which became a regular part of each meal. Out of politeness, none of the vacationers initially protested at this intrusion into their blissful holiday, but peoples buttons definitely got pushed as the readings continued day after day.

Unfortunately, this was not his only contribution to our mealtime entertainment. He waxed on during one meal about how Indo-China women had the best figures and that our American corn-fed women just couldn't meet up to this standard. He also made it a point that all of us should stop Cindy from having dessert as her weight was too high, and made a few comments to Amy, the 25 year old wife of the honeymooning couple from Nebraska that she should eat less as she needed to lose weight.

McCain's appreciation of the beauty of Asian women was so great that David, the American economist, had to move his Thai wife to the other side of the table from McCain, as McCain kept aggressively flirting with her and touching her. Needless to say I was irritated at his large ego and rude behavior towards his wife and other women, but decided he must have redeeming qualities as he had adopted a handicapped child from Bangladesh. I asked him about this one day and his response was shocking. "Oh that was Cindy's idea - I didn't have anything to do with it. She just went and adopted this thing without even asking me. You can't imagine how people stare when I wheel this ugly black thing around in a shopping cart in Arizona. No it wasn't my idea at all".

I actively avoided McCain after that, but unfortunately one day, he engaged me in a political discussion which soon got us on the topic of the active US bombing of Iraq at that time. I was shocked when he said, "If I was in charge, I would nuke Iraq to teach them a lesson". Given McCain's personal experience with the horrors of war, I expected a more balanced point of view. I commented on the tragic consequences of the nuclear attacks on Japan during World War ll - but no, he was not to be dissuaded. He went on to say that if it were up to him, he would have dropped many more nuclear bombs on Japan. I rapidly extricated myself from this conversation as I could tell that his experience being tortured as a POW didn't seem to have mellowed out his perspective, but rather had made him more aggressive and vengeful towards the world.

My final encounter with McCain was on the morning he was leaving Turtle island. Amy and I were happily eating pancakes when McCain arrived and told Amy she shouldn't be having pancakes because she needed to lose weight. Amy burst into tears at this abusive comment. I felt fiercely protective of Amy and immediately turned to McCain and told him to leave her alone. He bacame very angry and abusive towards me, and said, "Don't you know who I am"? I looked him in the face and said, "Yes, you are the biggest asshole I have ever met", and headed back to my cabin. I am happy to say that later that day when I arrived at lunch, I was given a standing ovation by all the guests for having stood up to McCain's bullying.

Although I have shared my McCain story informally with friends, this is the first time I am making this public. I almost did so in 2000, when McCain first announced his bid for the Republican nomination, but it soon became apparent that George Bush was the shoo-in candidate and so I didn't act then. However, now that there is a very real possibility that McCain could be elected as our next president, I feel that it is my duty as an American citizen to share this story.

I can't imagine a more scary outcome for America than that this abusive, aggressive man should lead our nation. I have observed him in intimate surroundings as he really is, not how the media portrays him to be. If his attitude toward women and his treatment of his own family are even a small indicator of his real personality, then I shudder to think what will happen to America were he to be elected as our President.

Mary-Kay Gamel
Professor of Classics, Comparative Literature and Theater Arts
Cowell College, University of California, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz California 95064
831-459-2381 (office); 831-429-8803 (home)
mkgamel@ucsc.edu

The Hideous Horrors of the "Hero"

2008-10-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

(-: Happy Halloween :-)

Isn't he scary?

Pope Pushes Psychoanalysis for Priests

2008-10-30T22:50:00.000-07:00

After almost 2,000 years, the Roman Catholic Church has learned little about why it is a magnet for homosexual priests; and the fact that heterosexual members engage in intercourse, even rape of young women, to satisfy a sexual appetite that has long been suppressed until it explodes in illicit ecstasy. The sudden transformation of a well respected and highly regarded priest into a sexual beast is noted as a result of a mentally deranged mind. But it is never attributed to celibacy. The church believes the mental condition of the mind to control sexual urges can be found in those worthy to serve God.

The Pope has approved the new guideline for the screening of future priests by providing psychological tests to weed out those that have "psychological defects, deep-seated homosexual tendencies, uncertain sexual identity, excessive rigidity of character, and strong affective tendencies". It bars seminarians who see celibacy as a heavy burden that it "compromises their affective and relational equilibrium". Priests selected must have a "positive and stable sense of their masculine identity".

Catholics are made to understand that celibacy is a reflection of life in heaven, but it makes them go through hell first. It is actually based on guilt originating from false religious beliefs developed to control people. There is clearly no biblical basis for this practice and it may be used for concealing deeper fears of intimacy. The qualifications for future priests sought by the Church are those that are detached from any sexuality. How they can have a stable and positive sense of masculine identity without expressing their manhood, or at least their human masculine emotions, is a tall order. There may be no priests qualified over the long term for such demands. Applicants may pass and be celibate for some time, but it cannot hold for the long haul, and the same problems will emerge.

Priests have been allowed to have wives and concubines before the middle ages, until Pope Pelagius I made new priests agree offspring could not inherit church property; Pope Gregory followed by declaring all sons of priests illegitimate; Pope Benedict VIII banned marriages and concubines for priests; and Pope Innocent II voided all marriages, and for all new priests to divorce their wives. It had nothing to do with morality, it was all about money and the protection of Church property. Even Peter the Apostle was married. Celibacy is physically unnatural and can result in several physical and mental problems. When even masturbation is denied under this vow, the body cannot be used for what it was intended. Prostate blockage and painful wet dreams are the most common reactions of the body to this unnatural imposition.

Jesus was a practitioner of natural law, and He wouldn't impose an act so unnatural among his followeres and members of His Church. The entire celibacy issue was the result of middle age Gnostic influence that preached falsely that the body and its needs are dirty and unspiritual. To be serving God in a spiritual sense, natural sexuality must be avoided. This is the basis for the "derangement" of priests. If a priest is stable upon ordination, the years of sexual avoidance will certainly result in intense mental imbalance - borne of need and guilt - until he can no longer ignore the explosive release of this natural hunger. Having an illicit heterosexual relationship is the least of his sins. Pedophilia and rape are the most grevious; but resorting to homosexual relationships for a straight priest is an option. This starvation for sex of male priests is the very reason why the Church is a magnet for homosexuals.

So, rather than providing all these tests which will not remove the problem at some future date, the Church has two options: to require all priests to be castrated; or allow them to marry. Otherwise, the problem of priests with their sexual drives will be a recurring one. Should priests be allowed to marry, the Church should also follow the Anglican example of ordaining women priests. Then, having a couple who are both priests would produce a holier generation. While they're at it, why not make the seminaries co-educational, so they can start early on the Heavenly experience here on earth? By the time of their ordination - when they are launched to serve God - they would have gotten used to the mantra they recite at the coed seminary: "Oh God, I'm coming"!

Haaaarrrrwwwwk...Twoooooph...Ting!

Gigabyte Gamble of Global Giants

2008-10-29T22:41:00.000-07:00

A challenge has been mounted by the technology giants against the economic giants on the global digital battlefield, in the name of online free speech protection, privacy of communication, and against governmental intrusion. Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft have joined forces to enforce a Code of Conduct that would govern the Global Network. How this will be received by countries alluded to in the enactment of the code; or how it will resist powerful political pressure at the local level by partners of the business behemoths, has not been detailed. Enacting a code is one thing, enforcing it is another.

The signing of the Global Code of Conduct attempts to end internet censorship and other forms of government witch hunts and interference. It seeks to limit what data should be shared with authorities where the integrity of free speech may be threatened. Human rights groups have hailed this as a recognition of the need for a collective response and more aggressive stand versus unwarranted demands on user privacy and restrictions on free speech. Google had been accused of agreeing to filter searches for such topics as democracy or Tiananmen; Microsoft had been pilloried for blocking the blog of a media practitioner who posted on the management purge at the Beijing News Daily; while Yahoo's disclosure of personal information led to the 10 year jail sentence of reporter Shi Tao.

Their alliance under the Code provides a certain clout for the implementation of its provisions. It seems that, as Jerry Yang of Yahoo puts it, their actions match their values. The tech giants are gambling on the fact that internet users in China are the youth , students, and young professionals - the generation that will sustain the country's powerful growth. The massive number of users is being staked against China's political will to interfere and protect what they feel is their secret. China's non-acceptance will create discord and distance between the government and people, putting their future in jeopardy. But China's acceptance will not be a victory for the alliance either, they will simply enforce their willful interference clandestinely, by pressuring or threatening the local partner quietly into submission. Having declared their acceptance of the Code to the world, coercion would then be rampant. Any disclosure of these threats can be claimed as an "isolated case".

The millions of users in China may also be used by the authorities against the alliance. Can these three giants afford to lose such a massive market? Also, what if China puts up a similar operation as they have that will serve their country's needs - reaching out beyond the urban areas where these giants operate? After sometime, they could terminate the operations of 2 of these tech companies with the one remaining becoming vulnerable to pressure. The Code's absence of an implementation mechanism weakens its resolve to accomplish what it claims it will. Perhaps they have realized it is unenforceable, and merely went through the motions to assuage human rights groups. There are strong indications that this alliance is merely a gesture that will cast these tech companies in a good light, after the bad image generated by past actions. Nothing more.

The fact that China seems to be singled out is also disturbing. Other countries are equally guilty of interference such as Russia, Serbia, Nigeria, and most of all the United States. It was the USA that removed privacy of communication as part of its intelligence gathering efforts for the War on Terror. That whole package of lies to spy on its own people has more cases that warrants investigation than China. On the other hand this whole alliance on the Code of Conduct is also being used to preempt whatever regulatory oversight may be initiated by a likely Obama government, because of how they assisted the trampling of America's civil rights in support of the War on Terror.

It's just so uncharacteristic for these companies to initiate actions that will damage their relationships with their major markets. Secondly, it does not make sense for them to dive into ideological issues that would virtually be imposing a political philosophy on a sovereign country, regardless of how universally righteous that philosophy is. Their business in service, not politics. This Code is a dangerous gamble if they are truly serious.

In the political battlefield, the tech companies are mice by comparison. Three mice that roar, even in blended three part harmony, cannot be that powerful in the real world. Against an army of more than a hundred million, all they can do is squeak!

Haaarrrrwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Tragedy of the Toilet Trapped Train Rider

2008-10-28T23:49:00.000-07:00

There are people whose misfortunes lead them to the conclusion that "life sucks", or that "life stinks". There are those who suffer the unbearable shame of being in situations that find them in crappy circumstances, in an environment that's full of excrement. But for one 26 year old Frenchman who took a train ride from La Rochelle to Paris, it is all of these. Getting inside the on-board toilet and having his hand sucked and trapped inside the toilet bowl is not a daily occurrence of bad luck, but a rare incident of hilarity.

The Frenchman was not identified, to prevent further embarrassment to him. His hand was trapped when he reached for his mobile phone which fell into the toilet bowl, and was subsequently scooped up by the toilet's suction system. The high speed TGV train had to stop for two hours to allow responding firemen to rescue the filthy Frenchman from the seemingly monster toilet, by cutting through the train's pipework. The man was carried away by the Emergency services with his hand still jammed in the toilet seat. It is a tragedy to see such a promising young man get stuck in a shit hole.

The instinctive reaction of picking up a dropped mobile phone, and/or an inadequate knowledge about how powerful the suction systems of on-board trains are, led to this humiliating result. On the other hand, a phone dropped in water with the power on will be short circuited, and therefore ruined. He probably hoped he could pick it up fast enough to prevent its ruin. The question remains as to why he had his mobile phone in his hand as he entered the on-board toilet, knowing that he will need both hands, one more than the other, to get his task done. The answer may be very simple, he failed to pocket his phone immediately after "answering the call of nature".

Haaarrrrrwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Palin's Pricey Persona

2008-10-27T23:48:00.000-07:00

The finished product that is the GOP Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, was manufactured under a most lavish image building plan that would make paupers of many of the women she hopes to identify with, or those she hopes would want to identify with her. The knowledge that money donated by Republican supporters was used to glamorize and clothe the "Hockey Mom" did not sit well with many of them; and the whopping $150,000 spent for her image was the last thread for some to abandon the party and switch to the democrats.

But it wasn't just the clothes. It included the attitude, the delivery, and the scripts she was made to memorize that went well with the frozen fresh look from the snows of Alaska. The crash course she took at the John McCain Institute of instant political candidates included a "cutesy" wink meant to go with her expensive spectacles. Palin was given a persona that was intended to win women and youth votes for the battle scarred POW. She was therefore encased in stylish and expensive Neiman Marcus apparel which would put her target audience in abject poverty and turn them into bag ladies wearing pricey clothing if they went along with it.

The idea that hard earned money was spent to transform a pitt bull into a poodle with lipstick raised a howl from the party base. McCain and Palin were compelled to say that the snazzy outfits would be donated to charity. But knowing the Republicans, they wouldn't want to see such fortunes go to waste to be used and abused by the poor, whom they so gleefulully impoverish. It wouldn't be surprising to see these garments auctioned on E-Bay with the added value of having been worn by the darling of the GOP. If she wins, it will go up in value; if she loses it will drop like the sub-prime mortgage. And what pervert could resist wearing her used undergarments or fantasizing about what was once on it? That alone could fetch a high price. It should be auctioned soon to add to their campaign funds. These could sell higher than $150,000.

Amidst all these makeovers, Palin is still being used as an attack dog, stopping short of calling Obama a communist. She kept repeating the word "socialist", and described situations where Obama's governance would make all decisions for individual Americans, including personal ones, which was not socialist by any stretch but actually a picture of communist practice. Yet it was McCain who made all the decisions for her, including what to say, how to deliver, what to wear, how to smile...all personal ones; making McCain the communist rather than the Democratic candidate by her own standards.

The fashion does not fit the statements. There are only two occassions left for Palin to express her fashion statement: One is election day itself where her attire may be eagerly awaited. To show that they put "America First", she could wear a white gown made of cashmere and silk, cut like the statue of Liberty, topped by a crown and a torch to light the way for the voters to go with the GOP candidates. It will be the second time she will wear this gown as she would have worn it four days earlier. But in lieu of a torch she would bear a wooden cross; and in place of a crown, she would have the same material as her gown cut into a pointed hood that will cover her entire head - with holes for the eyes and nose. An apt fashion statement for Halloween.

Haaaarrrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Screened, Scanned and Stripped for Security

2008-10-22T21:18:00.000-07:00

The European Commission is moving to get to know all visitors and travelers in and out of the continent in a very intimate manner - beyond what travelers would consider a transient acquaintance - by viewing every inch of their visitors' anatomy in all their naked glory. What used to be the exclusive province of some perverted minds of the human race, those who figuratively undress people by their lecherous looks at curves and bulges of other individuals, will soon become the official greeting method at airports in the continent.

The plan put forward by the European Commission involves scanners that will virtually strip search each passenger regardless of the layers of clothes they are wearing, and flash their entire body on a screen only in their birthday suit. The proponents argue that the images produced could be modified to eliminate positive identification, but the images produced nonetheless leaves very little to the imagination. The airport security and staff would therefore know every curve of a passenger's body way beyond what these passengers would want. Issues on human rights, data protection and personal dignity are being thrown out the window.

A number of countries have cautioned against the plan, calling it ill-conceived and without a thorough assessment of its impact on fundamental rights nor human health - regardless if it is cost efficient. Even the plan to draw up a rule book for how these devices will be used is a mere justification for an unjustified and invasive procedure. What's worse is that some of these devices are already being used in a number of airports. What if hackers mount an attack on these systems and then post all those naked bodies on the internet? Even if the images were altered, hackers would know how to enhance the image to elicit the true identity of the individual, and soon these photos will be used like paper dolls being plastered with different types of clothing perhaps for commercial value, or worse for prurient purposes. A new class of paparrazzi will emerge from these band of hackers who can single out celebrities and politicians.

This plan, if not modified or carefully studied, would put George Orwell to shame for being less invasive and less security conscious. And unless travelers to and from Europe have a predilection for nudist colonies and would like to mingle with more of their cohabitants in a more formal or "dressed manner", traffic to the continent would be greatly reduced. Perhaps the plan should be used for government functionaries, officials and their wives first, to set an example - Carla Bruni Sarkozy is certainly no stranger to nudity. Perhaps the world will be witness to what makes Gordon Brown resolute, or what makes George Bush ramble incoherently.

The other point is that it may be applied to the elderly only as a test, since no enhancement of the images could possibly be used commercially nor for prurient intentions. It wouldn't be very enticing. As the famed comedienne Phillis Diller once said "the best contraceptive for the elderly is nudity".

Haaaarrrrwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

The Social Skills of Surgeons

2008-10-19T16:41:00.000-07:00

There has to be a respite from politics. What used to be referred to as the art of the possible has become the art of the incredible; and the mountain of half truths, embellishments and overstated claims have become exhausting and downright disgusting. The revelation that Joe the Plumber was a Resident of Arizona in 2001, is a delinquent taxpayer, whose former address is at Keating Street and in the same building where a terrorist resided at the time he was there, and who isn't really a plumber; is troubling enough to consider this man a Republican plant precisely placed to discredit the Democratic candidate. What lengths would politics go to just to win? There seems to be no limit.

There's a story being spread via e-mail which concerns 5 surgeons who attended a Medical Conference, and who found themselves sharing a table during one of the breaks. They started discussing who the best patients to operate on were.

The first surgeon from New York City said: "I'd like to see Accountants on my operating table. When you open them up, everything inside is numbered".

The second from Chicago responds: "Yes, but you should try electricians, everything inside them is color coded".

The third surgeon from Houston remarked: No, I really think librarians are the best, everything inside them is in alphabetical order".

The fourth surgeon from Los Angeles chimes in: "You know, I really like construction workers. Those guys understand when you have a few parts left over".

But the fifth surgeon from Washington DC shut them all up when he observed: "You're all wrong! Politicians are the easiest to operate on. There's no guts, no heart, no brain, no balls, and no spine; and the head and the butt are interchangeable!

Haaaarrrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

The Argument Against the Almighty

2008-10-18T19:09:00.000-07:00

The extent to which politicians will go to pursue their mindless machinations of madness is beyond any limits imaginable, in a world where lunacy seems to be the rule and sanity is a victim of roadkill. In what is seen as a frivolous lawsuit to prove a point that anybody can file a case against anyone, including God; a case was filed against the Almighty by Nebraska State Senator Ernie Chambers (Ind.), seeking a permanent injunction to cease certain harmful activities and making terroristic threats.

The lawsuit adds that God goes by several aliases and recognizes the fact that He is omnipresent. Chambers also argues that he has attempted to contact God to reveal himself several times, to no avail. The lawsuit asks the Douglas County Court to recognize the peculiar nature of the case and waive personal service, because being also omniscient, God is already aware of the case and further argues that his omnipresence makes Him present everywhere, even in the courtroom.

Ernie Chambers has been a State Senator for 38 years, and would have won reelection had he not been barred by a constitutional prohibition enacted in the Nebraska Legislature in 2000, providing two 4 year term limits for public office. He believes that the Legislature had to change the state constitution to get rid of him. Chambers is considered one of the Legislature's most passionate, controversial, and colorful members, frequently using rules and filibusters to block proposals, inviting friction with colleagues. He opposed the death penalty and introduced a bill to repeal it, but it failed to override the Governor's veto. He remains well respected by past and present politicians in Nebraska, who recognize his intimate knowledge of legislative rules, persuasive skills as an orator, and his attire of t-shirts and denim pants even during sessions in the state senate.

The lawsuit he brought up against God is full of assertions that would not be proven beyond reasonable doubt. Besides, even God cannot testify against Himself, nor aid and guide the testimony of those who witness against Him even if they swear unto His book "so help me God". And as the court itself, as well as other institutions and instruments used in the US, have signs that proclaim "In God We Trust", wouldn't this be enough to force an acquittal? For if trust in God is denied, the social impact of not having faith in a Supreme Being will definitely be catastrophic for all the relationships, (personal, professional or political) of mankind. And who will be called upon to serve as the Jury of His peers? The biggest problem is, if God is guilty, what sort of punishment could be meted and how will it be enforced? Withdrawal of belief is possible, but who should mankind have faith in, Satan?

After 38 years as a State Senator, Ernie Chambers must have allowed success to go over his head, has become messianic, or has delusions of being equal with God. Being a law graduate although not a member of the bar, he is argumentative and forceful, but even a frivolous case filed for its own sake would have limits, yet this seems to have escaped him. Judge Marion Polk rightfully threw the case out since notice to the defendant could not be served - no known address. However, Ernie Chambers is preparing to file an appeal. Apparently, he is still basking in the glory of being known as "The Maverick of Omaha".

Does this somehow remind voters of another politician who prides himself as a "Maverick"? Heaven help the world..... that is, if God has not been convicted and sentenced yet.

Haaaarrrrrwwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

McCain's Manic Manifestations of Malevolence

2008-10-17T05:23:00.001-07:00

Last Wednesday's Final Debate showed Barack Obama as Presidential, while John McCain projected himself like a candidate. McCain was making faces, rolling his eyes and smirking; compared to Obama who would grin widely and maintain his composure. John McCain's antics were self-destructive, since coming from an aging prisoner of war in an infamous war lost decades ago, he was acting like a senile old man suffering from attacks of second childhood - or is it his fourth?

The image below is not photo shopped nor altered in any manner whatsoever. It shows John McCain failing to contain himself and seemingly out to grab Barack Obama's butt to lick it. Or, it is a reflection of McCain's frustration at the failure of his campaign and an admission that his is a lost cause.

This picture says a lot of things. He was trying to be funny and comical in a forum which was not appropriate for such modes of behavior. What was his mindset at this moment? Did he believe he could win votes with this actuation? Or has he just lost it? If this was a joke, the joke's on John McCain. He really blew what little chance he had. Or perhaps John McCain is finally coming out of the closet, like so many of his fellow God fearing righteous conservatives who seduce pages or solicit in men's rooms.

McCain beats them all, his was on worldwide television. America's future president the ass licker. This is what he would probably do to deal with foreign leaders. This ass licking foreign policy, coming from a veteran of an unjust war, where he perhaps had a lot of practice to stay alive - is the bedrock of his foreign relations experience. How heroic. It's has become scary to hear him say "I'm behind you all the way".

Haaarrrrwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

Souvenir Signing Shutdown by Starr

2008-10-15T09:07:00.000-07:00

There must be a reason for the bitter change of heart that has spurred Ringo Starr to spurn his fans. At the height of the Beatles popularity, there was hardly an indication that Ringo Starr would turn into a grumpy old scrooge. He was the most sentimental member of the legendary Beatles band, selecting to record mushy songs like "Act Naturally" and "Octopus Garden". Perhaps it's all that wealth, the immense riches he obtained and enjoyed because of the fans who loved and cared for them like gods, and who bought everything he recorded after the breakup even if it was rubbish to begin with. His arrogant display of ingratitude will return to haunt him.

In an unprecedented announcement on his website, Starr declared that he will no longer sign memorabilia for fans and will throw all fan mail after October 20. He said he had too much to do. At 68 years old and with enough money to last him several lifetimes, he can't even hire a couple of forgers to sign in his behalf? Aside from constructing a pyramid for his entombment when he departs, perhaps with a golden set of drums and diamond studded drumsticks, what could he be busy with? His recorded solo albums sound like they were done while he was using the toilet after a week of constipation, where the melodies resembled the the shrieks of the screaming banshees. It didn't appear like it was a lot of work. It was not even worth mentioning that it was made by an ex-Beatle because it seemed blasphemous for being so deadbeat.

This is not the first time Ringo has invited the fan's ire. Some months ago, the world famous band was immortalized in greenery at their hometown in Liverpool, taking center stage at the town's South Parkway. Plants were cultivated for 18 months and then cut and shaped into John, Paul, George and Ringo using artists commissioned from Tuscany. Ringo outraged Liverpoolians during a visit wherein he opened the European Capital of Culture event, by saying that he missed nothing about the city. A few days later, the topiary of Ringo Starr was beheaded. A sure sign that the citizens felt disrespected by the thoughtless and ungrateful remark.

This time, it may not just be his head that the fans would seek to chop off, and it wouldn't be a plant or topiary either. Being the least creative of the group, if at all, Ringo is perhaps trying to build his musical legacy at this late stage, and feels he may be running out of time. This could explain why he has too much to do; as he reaches into the depths of his soul to unleash his true creative talent. He may just as well be reaching into the bowels of his anatomy as there is no creative talent to be found there except the final product of a very large intestine.

Haaaarrrrrrrwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

Preeminent Painter Presents Portrait as Prize

2008-10-13T09:10:00.000-07:00

At a time when the world is worried about its wealth and the impending difficulties it will produce, an artist of immense talent compels us to look at our loved ones and offers a precious gift that will last longer than any crisis, and provide joy that will be savored for several lifetimes. Consistent with her generous nature and unconquerable spirit, Kim Barker of laketrees refuses to yield to the tragedies that may befall our fortunes, and unwittingly leads us to the very foundation of why these fortunes were made in the first place - those we love.

Here is an artist of impeccable integrity whose artistic talent has been shared so unselfishly, and whose continuing efforts to support new artists is diligently pursued with undiminished passion. She offers a portrait as gift this Christmas to whoever is judged as the most worthy recipient, based on a short message in her post on this offer. The message will most likely assist her in sensing the emotions of the winner for the (winner's) selected subject, which she can portray onto the canvass.

The subject selected by the winner could be himself/herself, or any one of their relatives, friends, partner, children, or pet. The portrait is valued at $6,000 plus free postage (international included). It will be in Acrylic or oil on gallery wrapped canvass, 90 cm x 1 m. To join, three (3) things are required: a) Post about the competition with a link back to laketrees; b) Subscribe to laketrees by e-mail; c) Comment on her post in her blog to let her know you've accomplished a) and b) and write a short paragraph of who you would choose for your portrait and why. Additional conditions for entries have been laid out for this contest on the laketrees post on the subject. Competition ends on October 31st, at 12:00PM.

The winner will be chosen according to the best message or comment posted, as judged by Jan Dean, an accomplished writer who has published widely in journals, anthologies and literary pages of newspapers. She has won prizes in local and national competitions, and her poems have been selected for inclusion in the Best Australian Poetry (UQP) and the Best Australian Poems (Black Inc). Her book, "With One Brush" includes a selection of her previously published and award winning Poems.

There isn't anything yet that comes close to a sterling and original Christmas gift offer given openly, sincerely and wholeheartedly. Kim Barker is an exceptional artist, and an exceedingly pleasing human being. She is giving not just of her talent and time, but of herself; not just from her heart but from her soul.

The Financial Feud Follows the Fish of Fury

2008-10-11T23:25:00.000-07:00

For almost forty years, the United Kingdom and the Republic of Iceland have had a peaceful co-existence along the North Atlantic. The infamous Cod Wars - a parody of the term Cold War possibly emanating from the British press - that began in the 1950's, may rekindle their vicious feud because of the current financial crisis. There is a history of animosity between these two countries that could transform the latest exchange of insults between their Prime Ministers into another round of conflict similar to the Fish of Fury they engaged in almost 4 decades ago.

Iceland has declared bankruptcy, and its internet Bank Icesave had been closed. The UK sought assurances that equal treatment of British investors would be honored via a legal agreement. But Iceland was not prepared to compensate these investors; seeking to protect its domestic savers first. In retaliation the British Government iced all the assets of Icesave's parent company Landsbanki in the UK. Prime Minister Gordon Brown declared Iceland's actions to be "effectively illegal and unacceptable", while Icelandic Prime Minister Gier Haarde expressed annoyance at the UK's use of anti-terrorism legislation to seize the Icelandic Bank's assets. He feels perhaps insulted being in the same category as Osama Bin Laden.

The Cod Wars were a lot of fury over fish. It began when the new Icelandic law was implemented on the midnight of September 1, 1958, expanding the Icelandic fishery zone from 7.4 to 22.2 kilometers around the country. The rationale' was that with the diminishing fish stocks around the world, the scope for confrontation had increased, where incursions of a country's fishing fleet in the territorial jurisdiction of another - some of which being considered "protected" - would deplete the resources relied upon by the affected state. At the time, Iceland relied only on its fishing industry to support its 250,000 population. The British government did not recognize this claim on the grounds that it would set a precedent that could be followed by other nations in the North Atlantic, which would destroy the British fishing industry.

What followed was a series of confrontations at sea between British frigates and Icelandic gunboats, including tearing up of fish nets, ramming of boats, seizing of catch and countless intrusions in what became a battle of wits and endurance. The Icelanders however emerged slightly ahead. The 1958 clash was repeated in 1973, 1975, and 1976. Despite the protectionist efforts, fish stocks diminished nonetheless, and Iceland transformed its economy into manufacturing, finance and tourism. Presently, it has one of the world's highest levels of economic and civil freedoms; ranked one of the most developed country with a per capita income of over $58,000 for its 320,000 population. Fishing however, still accounts for roughly 40 % of its economy.

But just like the 50's, Iceland's response to the economic crisis is to protect its interests and its population. It does not intend to take over any of the nationalized banks' foreign debts or assets; and the domestic operation of these banks will be separated from its foreign transactions. It comes as a complete surprise to learn that the UK had invested so much money, through public and private investors, in Iceland. Should this feud escalate, we may see these two countries resurrect their old grudges and tit-for-tat petty political mischief. This is no longer just about about fish, but something "fishier". And the British government is making sure it does not slip away this time. The only thing they should avoid is formaline laced fish or melamine laced tea. Otherwise, they can bash each other to their heart's content.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Debt Derails DigitalClock

2008-10-10T22:24:00.000-07:00

At the time the digital debt clock was installed in 1989, the US national debt stood at just $2.7 trillion. Even then, the clock itself, invented by Seymour Durst, was a reminder to the fiscal planners of a growing concern. The prevailing confidence in the country's capability to surmount such debt was so high that spaces it allocated for the projected digits needed could not be surpassed. It was unimaginable. Today however, it is a fully grown creature that threatens the entire planet. The clock has been derailed because the size of the national debt exceeded the space allotted for all the digits to accurately record it. Durst's limited imagination miscalculated the insatiable appetite of the government to splurge on borrowed money.

President George Bush goes on national television to say that the crisis was "deeply unsettling" for Americans. That could be the understatement of the year. Why he excluded the rest of the globe is perhaps due to the limits of his imagination. Stock markets worldwide are going crazy, rising then dropping in a confused stupor. Traders and brokers are losing their minds, their shirts and their pants trading in an unpredictable and uncontrollable situation. Iceland has gone bankrupt, and trading had to be suspended in several bourses globally. Japan's biggest insurance firm Yamato Life is already dead. Burial announcements to follow.

Wall Street's value has gone down by 20% in the past 10 trading days. Yet President Bush says "we are a prosperous nation with immense resources and a wide range of tools at our disposal". Does anyone listen to him? Will anyone believe him? Perhaps his shadow will. Not even his body language suggests he believes it himself. The $700 billion bailout isn't working, confidence has not been restored, and the national debt could rise to $11 trillion due to the bailout. Perhaps the belief that America's resources are inexhaustible should be re-thought. The truth could be that all these immensity is just hype because if it's there, why has it not been harnessed? Sarah Palin suggests extracting the oil in Alaska will answer the energy problem - a gross miscalculation or outright imbecility - because even if it is all taken out, it would last only 18 months.

The G-7 Finance Ministers are to meet in Washington later to find a solution to the global crisis, because nothing is working, and those tried earlier are apparently failing. What tools the US has at its disposal only President Bush knows. How he knows it will work or whether it can be operable is unbelievable based on his established (in)credibility and brain capacity. Meanwhile, John McSame is in another time zone, addressing his audience as "my fellow prisoners". He is confused about which war he is facing or perhaps is at war with his memory. America and the world could be collapsing all around him but he would still be focused on Barack Obama's terrorist association, which is flimsy at best, a canard at worst.

The best news of the week is that according to Douglas Durst, son of the deceased inventor of the digital debt clock, the structure would be replaced early next year and will be made lengthier to accomodate 1 quadrillion dollars. At least, the US government can rack up $989 trillion more debts and it would still be recorded. That is, if there's any government left to be held accountable. Everyone could be talking Mandarin or Fookienese by then.

Haaaarrrwwwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

Palin's Perfect Performance

2008-10-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

The Vice Presidential Debate had only one expectation from Sarah Palin : not to say or commit horrendous mistakes that would showcase the absence of any form of knowledge regarding current issues, nor a pathetic inadequacy for logical thinking. In this she was perfect, because she was shuffling cue cards which she had previously memorized but ensured she would not mix these with unrelated subjects.

This Twitter site provided this flow chart for Sarah Palin's thought process, which could have been part of her cue cards. It says everything.

^{There were many questions she answered out of context and merely segued into her cue cards to say a totally different matter. Sarah Palin cannot function without a script. She may not be made of plaster and wood but she is certainly John McCain's Dummy. McCain is a clone of George Bush, and Bush is a dummy of Dick Cheney. No wonder he is sometimes referred to as John McSame... Same old Bull....!}

^{Haaarrrrrrrwwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!}

US Unsinkability Undermined

2008-10-02T23:43:00.000-07:00

The worldwide fears and mounting tension triggered by the threatened collapse of financial markets globally is a pivotal moment, and perhaps a critical turning point, in the history of America and its relationship with the community of nations. There is keen anticipation of the coping solutions initiated by its leaders - solutions which are temporary in nature and where success is hinged on calculated guesswork compounded by several degrees of uncertainty. Regardless of its success or failure, the armor of America's invincibility has been damaged, and its unsinkability as a Superpower has been undermined.

Images were quite revealing. The US President, supposedly occupying the most powerful office on earth looking dazed and confused in a period of great crisis - as he always is - alone and practically begging Congress to pass the bailout bill. Yet he was rebuked, ignored even by Congressmen of his own party. He has become a liability worse than a lameduck for the Republicans running for reelection; and any contact or agreement reached with him is considered the kiss of death. His own misdeeds have tarnished America's image in the eyes of most countries in the world, and he has greatly diminished the power of the position by his own doing. His plea to the Senators came at a great price, having to agree to concessions and earmarks to pass the bailout bill in the Senate.

The US economy is showing signs of crumbling. The extreme swings of its stock markets are evidence of this weakness and lack of confidence. It will hardly be credible for America to push its free market ideas when its own has collapsed. Militarily, it is overstretched in 2 wars, and the combined financial woes and military costs will weaken its armed forces. The perception that America is on the decline has grown exponentially, especially during the last 2 years of the Bush Administration. The costly wars and financial crisis can be attributed squarely on the Republicans under George Bush. The rise of new and powerful nations, wealth abundance based on oil, and the accumulation of financial reserves in other countries has continuously and effectively redistributed the power formerly held solely by America. However, it is premature to say that there exists a shift in the balance of power, or that it is being altered irrevocably.

America has enormous economic toughness that can make it overcome this crisis and get itself on the right footing. But it has to do much in education; and in its infrastructure which have become decaying and crumbling assets that can no longer satisfy current requirements and demands. It has also abandoned sectors of its economy, surrendering its manufacturing efforts in favor of embracing the cheaper goods from China. It has to rise up to this present challenge since its military capacity is linked to its former economic superiority - which has been overtaken by emerging and powerful Asian economies.

But there are things that stand out for its certainty: George Bush and his cabal of Republicans, his wars, and the current financial crisis, has removed the biggest advantage of America as the only Superpower after the collapse of Communism. To believe that the US will continue to march on this leadership role alone is not only unrealistic but illusory. Power sharing among the world's equally strong economies that have come abreast with, or have overtaken America, will become necessary; and it will have to take a more rational and generous view of its interests than it ever did throughout its history. This is the inevitable consequence of greed. Its unbridled application sow the seeds of its own destruction, but only after taking the world with it.

Haaaaarrrrrwwwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

Awards and Acknowledgements

2008-09-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

The Spitting Vessel thanks Sher of Ur Resident Chef for having been named one of the recipients of "The Brilliante Blog Awards". This is the second time this site has been merited with this specific citation, and coming from Sher makes it even more meaningful. The genuinely trusting and wonderfully cheerful attitude of this courageous, determined and adventurous young woman from Singapore; and her rich and varied experience of seeking her niche and her happiness in Europe all by her lonesome - is an example of the resilience of the Asian character, as well as the balance provided by the Asians' grasp of their values. This soon to be globally recognized baker and chef will enrich and enliven your culinary experience with her simple yet exquisite concoctions that are healthy in both content and attitude. She includes food conservation in her recipes in recognition of the food scarcity and shortage gripping countries in Asia and Africa. Thank you very much Sher.

The Spitting Vessel is equally grateful and privileged to receive this "I Love Your Blog" citation from Jenaisle of "Working Abroad" blog. Having been named by Jenaisle as one of the sites she likes is a proud development for the Spitting Vessel who remains one of her most ardent fans. Jenaisle has published her short stories, poems and a novel. She is an awesomely creative and talented writer, whose stories are woven seamlessly in the historical context of its thematic settings - describing the social fabric of the period accurately. The very credible plot and its realistic twists and turns sustains the interest and excitement of the reader. She has all the potentials of becoming an internationally famous writer. Thank you Jenaisle.

The Spitting Vessel expresses its apologies for the delay in accepting and acknowledging both these awards. Schedules and work activities have been tight and difficulties in accessing the internet have reduced opportunities for blog visits and posting time. Sometimes situations can be distressing.

Haaaaarrrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooooph...Ting!

China's "Containted" Cows

2008-09-28T23:50:00.000-07:00

A non-objective view of China may readily conclude that Communism as a system of government does not satisfy anyone in the country, not even its cows. The failure to produce "contented cows" that would enhance its dairy industry has produced only "containted" cows - those that possess melamine whose milk would poison the human body and eventually kill consumers with prolonged, continuous use. But the problem here is that any calamity in China would always be measured in gigantic proportions because of the sheer volume of its 1.3 billion people who would eventually bear the brunt of its disastrous effects. The blame is not on the four legged mammals that support the people, but on the two-legged monsters who breed on chicancery and whose castration would be the most humane punishment for their misdeed. These are the Chinese COWS - Corporate Operators Without Souls.

These are Chinese businessmen tainted by greed and subterfuge, who would lace their products with poisonous chemicals to project high protein content for their insidious output. It's bad enough that this tainted milk was sold to producers of candies, biscuits, buns and chocolate - but to put in on infant milk is the most thoughtless and sinister act of all. Children and infants need to take several glasses or bottles of milk daily where the resulting effect is deadly for their young bodies. The awesome panic and fear it has brought to parents who are compelled to follow a one-child policy is immeasurable, and the cruel and inhuman blow it has dealt to at least 54,000 households is beyond criminal.

Furthermore, the tainted product was sold worldwide where its lower price would naturally attract the less fortunate and underprivileged citizens of those countries, adding more misery to the already deplorable condition of their existence. Global reaction has been swift, with countries in Europe, Asia, and the Americans removing the milk and allied products from China that contain milk from the shelves. This calamity has placed China's ability to monitor and regulate its food industries in serious doubt, and rightly so. Contamination of toothpaste, seafood and even pet food resulting in death to a considerable number of animals in the US have transpired in recent years up to last year. This no longer appears accidental, but a deliberate and manipulative attempt to gain advantage at the expense of the ultimate consumer, in China and the rest of the world.

China's grand march to the level of the elite countries of the world has been stymied by the pea brained actions of some of its officials and favored citizen-businessmen. All the efforts and sacrifice of its brilliantly industrious and wholesomely generous citizens will be ruined by these men without souls who cannot be expected to burn in hell. Unfortunately for China, it had wanted to follow up its successful hosting of the Olympics with its scheduled space walk that would set it apart from, and ahead of, other emerging powers. But even the glory of its Olympic preparation was somehow diminished by protests linked to Tibet, and nearly overshadowed by the massive earthquake that ripped the country. The manned space flight and momentous space walk had also been reduced in stature because of the tainted milk caper. A disappointment for the people who took part, and for those who loved to see their country's astonishing development.

China's space ventures could project its capabilities in advanced technologies, achieving what no other Chinese government has ever done - which may legitimize their regime in the eyes of its population. There is also the military component which shows their capability to launch several warheads on a single rocket, and the precision capabilities which could be used for commercial purposes. Diplomacy too could be greatly improved as it signals China's entry into the powerful elite nations club. But its human tragedies have to find closure. The earthquake initiated investigations on the total collapse of school buildings as against other structures, that killed more children than adults. Now, milk that affects children.

China can project all its wealth in terms of having the largest capital reserves, its enviable economic growth, and its arrival on the elite club through space exploration; but it cannot rest easy for as long as it is haunted by skeletons of mistreatment and/or neglect of its people, and the protection of the clandestine criminals lurking within its corridors of power. They will not get the respect they deserve for their accomplishments, but the sneer of disdain when their backs are turned. And as always, their people will end up the losers as their efforts will be for naught in the perception of the international community.

Harrrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Betting Billions on a Bailout Bullet

2008-09-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

A gnawing sense of frustration and seething anger sweeps America. The realization that they will have to risk their future and those of their children to rescue the very people who robbed them of this future runs counter to their instincts. Yet it is presented as a bullet they would have to bite, by a President they are unsure they can trust, for a purpose they had no part in deciding, to save the American economy from collapse. The lameduck President who lured them into two wars, whose main target is still loose, and whose lies, cover-ups, and constitutional maneuvers have wrecked the nation's image internationally; is telling its citizens to rally behind this "patriotic" call once again - a call that will lead them to financial ruin, penury, and impoverishment - more than they already are.

Even a degenerate gambler would realize that betting his present and future existence on a bailout plan where feasibility is in doubt, where the amount of $700 billion cannot be ascertained as sufficient, and where its return and profitable gain is based on their highest hopes, must be insane. And sanity is exceedingly becoming a rare commodity in financial and political circles globally. This prompted Congress to invoke principles that would include provisions on home ownership preservation, oversight functions, limits on executive compensation, and taxpayer protection - the only sane thing they could possibly come up with in an already wildly crazy situation.

America's national debt stands at $ 53 trillion, including the cost of benefits to retiring baby boomers beginning 2010, which translates to roughly $ 38,000 for every man, woman and child in the country today. This excludes the bailout costs for Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae and AIG, plus the bailout plan for the banks asked by Mr. Bush. Even if the economy recovers in the years ahead, all the revenues would be pre-allocated to service these debts. With the economy in dire straits and recovery uncertain, regardless of a bailout plan in place; the US economy is hard pressed to provide any alleviation to its citizens in the next 3 years at least; at worst, in the next 5 years. The opposition expressed by Republicans to the principles behind the bailout plan could further delay the uncertain solution to the crisis, which could exacerbate the already dire straits that the country has dug itself into. This is a no win situation for America, and perhaps, the rest of the world.

Bourses in the US, in Europe and Asia, have been swinging wildly into degrees of confidence and doubt, based on the implementation or non-passage of the bailout plan. The prospects of its success or failure are not even at play. This is the most tragic element of this situation. The bailout is a temporary relief that is accompanied by overwhelming hope to succeed. Its failure will have to be faced by the leaders who will emerge from this catastrophe and the generations that will suffer its consequences. What the world is witnessing may be the beginnings of the end of the American Empire. What will follow in its stead is too mind boggling to contemplate. It may even spark a second American Revolution. Whatever form it takes is too scary to speculate. But it is in the process of fruition if Americans don't come together to save their nation and its future.

Haaaarrrwwwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

UPDATE: Puttar Punctures Potter Power

2008-09-24T09:44:00.000-07:00

A New Delhi Court has rejected the lawsuit filed by Warner Bros. against Mirchi Movies of Bollywood, makers of the film Hari Puttar And the Comedy of Terrors. This is clearly a triumph for the underdog who was taken to court by the international giant Warner Bros. The film, originally due for release last September 12 will now be shown in India on September 28.

The power of the Potter franchise has been pricked.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

The Pointless Potter vs. Puttar Polemics

2008-09-21T09:54:00.000-07:00

There's a basic difference between the names Puttar and Potter that the west cannot reconcile nor would seem to want to. Puttar means son in Hindi and Punjabi, while Potter is one who makes pots or a heavy user of cannabis. Warner Bros is concerned that the "Hari Puttar" film will confuse the viewing public and shortchange the "Harry Potter" franchise. But anyone who is a fan of Potter will certainly know the difference, even if they suspect that it is cashing in on the J.K. Rowling series. The position of Warner here is to claim a franchise on names or titles that sounds close to their fictitious hero. Even if Mirchi Movies of Bollywood retitled their film "Hairy Porter" or "Hurry Poser", Warner would likely take the same legal action. Either they want to cast a spell on all potential film titles of this type or they don't know how to spell.

"Hari" is another name of the Hindu God Vishnu, and this is a religion that's indigenous to India, while "Harry" is a derivative of Henry, like the philanderer Henry VIII; or Harold, which is of Scandinavian origin, not Anglo-Saxon; which means army ruler. This is not a special kind of measuring stick used for military purposes, but an Army commander. But between a God and a bed wetter King or an army commander, "Hari" has more centuries of being than "Harry". It might be wiser for Hari to have been a golf prodigy with a mean swing of the irons like Tiger Woods, and the title would be "Hari's Putter". However, this sounds a little X-rated and would not be patronized by parents for their children.

Moreover, the storylines are different. Hari Puttar is a 10 year old lad who goes to England and gets involved in a plan to save the world. Harry Potter is a wizard in the netherworld defending himself against his parents' killer Lord Voldemort, who wants to control their world and subjugate the real world. But Harry's too late, the real world has been conquered by the witches, wizards and beasts of Voldemort; especially if you consider the usurpers that made billions out of ordinary people's hard earned money - like the witches of Wall Street, the wizards of Washington, and the beasts of the Banking community. Hari Puttar then takes off where Harry Potter failed, and we should be cheering him on. The savior of the world will come from the East, not the West, and Warner doesn't take too kindly to the degrading of their hero. But whoever heard of a good witch or wizard? Potter doesn't want to stop their ilk from their craft, he merely wants to continue clandestinely, much like the creepy beings that inhabit government.

But the uncanny similarity between Dhaval Dave and Daniel Radcliffe could be the main issue although Warner doesn't openly admit it. Dave cannot change his face, it's the only one he's got. Radcliffe has made millions, why wouldn't he change his? It's unrealistic to have a wizard with spectacles, can't he fix his own vision? No wonder Voldemort wants to eliminate him, he's an embarrassment to the profession, considering how popular he has become. Furthermore, in this technological age, these wizards still use those silly brooms to ride on, perhaps believing that people could still be literally swept off their feet when a spell is cast. But can the 10 year old Puttar save the world? Warner would not want anyone to know. They want the world to focus on this dreadful scenario where witches and wizards kill each other. If only they did the same on Wall Street, the Banking community, and Washington.

Hari Puttar has been put on hold by a judge in India right before its debut last September 12. The last film in the Harry Potter franchise has been moved for release in July 2009, a safe distance in case Puttar gets to be shown in 2008. Warner wants to maximize its profits on the last film and they have manacled Hari Puttar as an insurance against competition. They obviously have no confidence in AIG, nor are they inclined to partcipate in the Lehman Brothers fire sale. If that judge in India suddenly owns a Ferrari, it would tell us where Warner placed its bets. It would show the world that justice has been served, or the judge has been serviced, or both.

Hari Puttar must be able to extricate from this legal entanglement, otherwise the film will have no credibility whatsoever. For how can he save the world when he cannot even overcome a pathetic near sighted wimp with a broomstick for a ride. This whole thing is really pointless.

Harrrrwwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Grumblings of the Gallant Gurkhas

2008-09-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

Never in the history of the British military have the Gurkhas ever abandoned their comrades in battle, nor ever retreat despite superior enemy numbers and arms. Gurkhas continue to attack up to the last man. But after dedicating the best years of their fighting lives for the glory of the British Crown, the Gurkhas are faced with deprivation and deportation. These gallant fighters, considered one of the best warrior races in the world - who offered their loyalty, skills, and lives fighting England's wars - are being discarded, disposed of, and left to rot in the streets of the Kingdom they were always willing to die for. Of their countless wounds from many battles, this disgraceful treatment from the British government is the unkindest and most painful of all.

For the thousands who gathered outside Parliament many of whom are in their 70's and 80's, this may perhaps be the biggest and last battle of their lives. Among these old warriors are many who are in desperate need of medical attention; and over the last 2 years of their legal struggle, 8 have fallen dead on the streets. Known for their bravery and endurance, the men demonstrating have seen combat all over the world, including Afghanistan and Iraq, with 200,000 serving in World Wars l and ll. This current struggle tests their endurance. They have tried all avenues, even returned their medals; yet the camaraderie seen at the protest lines among their comrades should not be mistaken for lack of intensity. Beneath the gentle smile lies a cold and steely determination, inflamed by years of injustice, and forged by their natural fighting tenacity - to secure equal rights for the Gurkhas, who have pledged their lives to the Queen.

The Gurkha's solicitor Martin Howe represents 1,500 more men wanting to come to the UK, but the government is doing everything to keep them out. The Gurkhas want equal pensions as their British counterparts, like those recruited from other countries. Discrimination was also discovered in terms of salaries even when they were still in the active service. Many were made to believe that a "long period of service would entitle them to citizenship", and most Ghurkas served an average of 25 years. But the government announced in March 2008 that only those Ghurkas who signed up after July 1, 1997 will be entitled to equal pay and retirement pay with that of their British counterpart; and would be allowed to settle in England. Those who were with the British Military before this date , still in active service, and who may retire in 2017 are still not granted equal pay nor equal retirement pay, much less given the right to settle in England.

Gurkhas are from Nepal, who derived their name from a Hindu warrior-saint Guru Gorakhnath, whose descendants founded the House of Gurkha. The British were the first to use the Gurkhas after noting their physical strength, endurance, discipline, and tenacity in conflict. The Gurkhas were described as a martial race or warrior race, who inflicted heavy casualties against the British in Nepal in the 1800s. The British sued for peace with the provision that they could recruit Ghurkas to fight for the crown. From 1816 to date, Gurkhas fought for England and died for England. Prince Harry's stint with the military in Afghanistan was with the Gurkha regiment to ensure his safety.

Every year Ghurka applicants seek acceptance in the British military, with 28,000 young and robust men vying for 200 slots. It is described as one of the toughest selection procedures in the world, aside from the fact that it is fiercely contested, often resulting in death among many applicants. These soldiers still carry their traditional weapon into battle, an 18 inch knife called "kukri". It is believed that once drawn, the kukri needs to taste blood, otherwise, it's spirit will work against its owner. This is the reason why Gurkhas cut themselves when no opportunity to take the fight to the enemy arises, after the knife has been drawn from its sheath.

Today, the old warriors who have served in various wars have come to England at great cost to themselves. They are being ignored by the citizens who do not understand their cause; they are being barred by officials who have been told to keep them away; they are being computed by members of parliament as a line item and are being certified as "unaffordable".The Gurkhas are not being valued but demeaned, tagged with a price that reduces their contributions and prepares them to receive a pittance that's next to nothing. The scandalous manner in which these warriors are received and treated does not speak well of a civilized country, whose declarartions of a noble history are overshadowed by this barbaric display of unmitigated incivility and outright crudeness.

Perhaps the Parliamentarians are looking at the willingness of the old Ghurkas to die for the Kingdom, from disease, organ failure, and fatigue. This is a substantial underestimation of the patience and resolve of these warriors. With their honor mortally injured, the Gurkhas may yet unleash what remains of their tenacity at the frivolity of these Parliamentarians, where the lawmakers' shoulders become lonesome for their heads.

Haaaarrrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Campaigns Concentrate on Collapse Concerns

2008-09-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

The messy meltdown at the New York Stock Exchange that rocked bourses in Europe and Asia, has not only made the economic situation the most critical issue in the campaign; but has also unmasked how the Republicans wrecked the economy. The chilling impact of the collapse of Lehman Brothers also removed much of the glitter in the skin deep appeal of Sarah Palin, as Americans have been awakened from a spell by the reality of very hard times in the immediate future. The generally accepted perception that the US is taking the wrong route has been reinforced, and John McCain will have greater difficulty extricating from the failures of this administration.

McCain sunk deeper earlier when he echoed the White House line that the economy was fundamentally sound, and praised the government for not wasting taxpayer's money on another bailout; but reversed himself later in the day saying the economy was in crisis. Perhaps he was fundamentally sound asleep in the earlier statement, but it reflected how fundamentally out of touch he was. He passed the task to Palin to blame Washington and Wall Street's liability for the financial carnage, with undertones of retribution for those responsible. However, Palin's empty bravado was gigantic in words but lilliputian in substance.

Senator Barack Obama described the Lehman debacle's impact on consumers contrasted against the profits to the top management of such companies which sacrificed the middle class Americans. However, he did not endorse any solution or new policy, nor oppose the actions of the US Treasury and the Federal Reserve. Either he failed to seize the momentum or he may be ill-equipped to understand how to untangle such a financial mess. While polls show that Democrats are more trusted with the economy, Obama has to present a concrete and substantive vision that will take America out of this predicament, to establish his advantage. As things stand, the American public remains disadvantaged as always, while Obama plays safe.

On Tuesday, the Federal Reserve announced the bailout of AIG fully supported by the US Treasury, who said it was done to protect taxpayers. This appears to be the reason for McCain's reversal - foreknowledge of the AIG bailout to support the Administration's decision, and to make him appear like he knows the means by which to restore stability in the economy. But this reverses the Republican position of less government and allowing free market forces to take its course. The administration spin on the bailout purports to alleviate the burden to taxpayers by saving the economy, without clearly stating why or how. The argument that AIG's collapse would have more disastrous consequences because of its varied investment activities globally than Lehman's may have some validity, but why the situation reached this point has not been answered nor has anyone been charged for anything. Who will Sarah Palin prosecute in Washington for this tragedy? Her tragedy is that she barked and growled for nothing. Like a mad pitt bull.....with lipstick.

The shift from individual buyers losing their homes and crushing their dreams to the biggest institutions like Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and now AIG (being taken over 80% and given $85 billion over a 2 year period) elevates the problem to a worldwide concern. They can now be forgotten because the focus is on a larger scale - plus they should be thankful they are still being saved - from heavier taxes should these monoliths be allowed to crash. It would be so unpatriotic to complain when they are being rescued from potentially bigger tax burdens. But these bailouts will cost them nonetheless, as it will increase the national debt which will be paid through taxes, together with inflation and dollar decline that will further erode their purchasing power.

Analysts in Washington and on Wall Street contend that the economy will recover strongly by next year which would reduce substantially the country's budget deficit. These are statements meant to restore confidence in the financial markets. It comes with the hope that these announcements, attributable to their equally worthless reputations, would be forgotten should it remain unchanged or gets worse. More realistic assessments indicate that the crisis will continue well into 3 years since no one can predict how deep the effects on the economy are, as well as how much the cost of the bailouts will actually be.

With all the global problems facing the next President, why anyone would seek the office and bludgeon himself further with this winless economic mess for several years defies comprehension. It would be idealistically immature to think that the winner will work as nobly as he would profess considering the nature of politicians and their ilk. But the need for a leader to inspire, protect, and restore America remains, and it falls on the shoulders of two men; one of whom is being positioned as a lameduck on his first term. Is it power and prestige? Or, our turn to be filthy rich and obnoxiously wealthy? These two go together well and are logically founded reasons.

Could it be messianic complex? Or pure altruism? Would it not be insanely unrealistic to seek the position solely for these reasons? If whoever wins does half of what he promised, or accomplishes a fourth of what is required, then the voters would have been only half as crazy or a quarter foolhardy electing him. Idealism is not dead, it is only gasping for breath.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

Palin and the Prophecy of the Pig

2008-09-14T23:52:00.000-07:00

The incoming US President, faced with very serious problems on the national and international levels - including a possible collapse of the country's banking system by the first week of November- remains a toss-up between two candidates undergoing a rigorous election campaign, debating the critical issue of lipstick on a pig. Barack Obama's quote of this old adage has been connected by the John McCain camp as a slur on Sarah Palin, and the Republicans have prophesied this incident to be the cause of the GOP victory and the demise of the Democrat's candidacy. The prophecy may be fulfilled when pigs fly.

John McCain has been enjoying an enormous piggy back ride on the popularity of Sarah Palin, whose own stretching of the truth about her refusal to accept congressional earmarked funds; the "Bridge to nowhere" story; and the pipeline for natural gas; are subtle fairy tales meant for a wolf to lure the 3 little pigs. Truth is, she accepted $27 million in congressional funds while mayor of Wasilla; the natural gas pipeline was just signed two weeks ago which is viewed as unfeasible and will cost $40 billion, not $27 billion; and the infamous bridge she fully supported, then opposed when the earmarked funds were already removed . But the funds were given to Alaska which they used for other projects. To date, she has requested $167 million in earmarked funds from Congress.

The elasticity of the truth seems to be limitless as far as these politicians are concerned. Like the Obama campaign's statement that a technologically challenged President is not suitable for the office - referring to McCain's inability to operate a computer or send e-mails, when he is obviously a disabled veteran. All innuendoes, half truths, and stretches must be categorized for what these are: LIES! But the swine herd mentality of the campaign continues to pursue the heaping of mud on one another, thereby muddling the issues that matter most in the lives of the people. It's as plain as a pig on a sofa, the campaign by both parties is shallow and senseless, supported by sound bytes that` are in a pig's eye.

Both candidates are sweating like pigs trying to outdo one another, and are conducting their campaigns as clumsily as hogs on ice. They both seem to be packaging themselves with heavily over extended storylines to create a persona with the oratorical and inspirational skills of Kennedy or Reagan, a protector from America's enemies like Eisenhower and Roosevelt, a geo-political master like Nixon, a tough go-getter who can manuever Congress to pass important legislation like Johnson, the star quality of a decent man like Carter, and the economic savvy of a Clinton. These elements are being lumped in a single package - to attract the voters - minus these men's achilles heels of course. But this packaging is slicker than a greased pig, because such a person with all these qualities does not exist.

America is $9.3 trillion in debt, it is involved in wars on practically 3 fronts, it's banks are teetering from the mortgage crisis, its obligations in health and social security amounting to trillions of dollars more are forthcoming, and its economy is staring at a recession so deep it will give the incoming President a nightmare worse than working knee deep in mud, inside a sealed pig sty. And the campaigns by both parties choose to make a pig's ear of the debating process. Voters should heed the biblical proverb "Do not cast your pearls before swine" before deciding to vote. This election and its ghastly conduct may leave them squealing like a stuck pig after.

American voters must be perceived as ignorant by the candidates should this trend continue. Voters must refuse to be a party to this charade of silly attacks and demand a focus on issues that affect their future as a people and as a nation. It was Churchill who said " Dogs look up to man, cats look down on man, and pigs look at man in the eye and see an equal". If Americans allow themselves to be seen as simpletons, then they can expect their country to be mired worse than a pig pen - together with the hogs they elected into office. That is the only real prophecy that has any possibility of fulfillment in this election.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Pig Image with lipstick from Mick Coulas

Buttressed By Brillante Blog Award

2008-09-12T00:51:00.000-07:00

There exists an uncommon connection between The Spitting Vessel and the author of My First Glob who goes by the name of "r". He has bestowed upon this site the Brillante Weblog Award which this site would have given to him had the Spitting Vessel received it first. "R" is very passionate about keeping his true identity secret but very vocal about his opinions, and does not publish his own photos on his site - much like the Spitting Vessel. His avatar on the right is a familiar face of an actor. There have been intermittent and extensive comment exchanges with him in the past, but the Spitting Vessel is a lurker on his site. "R" writes in elegant literary style that's intoxicatingly entertaining and intellectually stimulating. For bestowing this award upon the Spitting Vessel, this site expresses its gratitude with a big Thank You!

Like all other awards, this particular one has its own set of rules meant to promote as many blogs as possible. The award is given to blogs that are smart and brilliant in both design and content. The rules consist of the following:

1. Upon receiving the award, write a post showing it, together with the name of the blogger who gave it to you. Provide a link to the site that gave you the award.

2.Choose a minimum of 7 blogs that you find brilliant in content and/or design.

3.Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing them of their receipt of the Brillante Weblog Award.

4. Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize to (optional).

Here are the Spitting Vessel's selections:

El Correr Es Mi Destino - The author is a French woman who calls herself Zhu, who traveled halfway around the globe and decided to settle in Canada. She writes on a variety of subjects that include tips on getting a job in Canada, what Canadians are like, Citizenship issues, her travels and recent trip to Beijing, and various other topics that involve tweaking your website, evaluating templates and plug-ins, and about food. Often, she provides these in a series of posts and explains it with applicable clarity like a conscientious teacher intent on helping her students understand, learn and apply the subject. Her tone is friendly and accommodating, her persona generous and kind. It's a site where insights on people, culture, and humanity can be obtained in a gentle and patient manner.

Crete delights - This is an evolving blog of an internet marketer whose evident success has brought her closer to her dream relocation paradise - Crete. Originally based in the UK, Layne writes in crisp, and at times, irreverent tones, that is spiced with all types of British jargon and topped by that unmistakable English charm and humor. A blogger known for her passionate endorsement of Entrecard and its proper use, Layne is such an unselfish Marketer who would openly and unconditionally provide assistance, seek support for other bloggers' difficulties, and even empty all her marketing resources to anyone who asks or needs it for free. Her writing is insightful, funny, and witty, yet full of warmth and enthusiasm - like an 18 year old experiencing her first summer vacation alone with a friend. Crete Delights is a delightful read.

inspiredartbeat - Here is an artist who uses one of the most difficult materials to paint with - water color. But, she is possessed with the talent and precision to skillfully manage any medium, to create works of art that are reminiscent of times we fondly recall; times when life was simpler and truth was abundant. Her creations remind us of what we are losing and what we should regain. Though her subjects involve wildlife and life in earlier periods; the colors, strokes, and images evoke a nostalgic desire that inspires and enlightens - and shows what remains exquisitely beautiful in a world that is dominated by ugly images of war and deprivation. Her roots are in Ireland but she has resided in South Africa. She now stays with her child and grandchildren in New Zealand. Aside from the excellent paintings, her posts include stories and experiences that are poignant and engaging. Her daughter Debbie, is also an accomplished artist whose two creations recently posted show immense talent and an inimitable eye for detail.

The Fitness Diva - This blog is about remaining healthy and fit in a country that has a reputation for obesity from overeating among its citizens. But it does provide a variety of well written posts and bone crunching opinions and/or recommendations on such subjects as politics, sports, movies, music, exercise videos and food - all inclined towards health of course. The Fitness Diva does not believe in starving people to be fit, nor to eat inedible concoctions to reduce fat and weight. She believes in the constancy and regularity of simple routines and to enjoy life by asking readers to treat themselves with their favorite ice cream, or dish or pizza - and even includes the calorie measurements. Her posts are always interesting, written in that typical New York go-getter style. This site is always a pleasant exercise.

A Girl For All Status - This is an extremely engaging young woman with two kids who loves life despite the many unexpected, and at times, rather unfortunate, turn of events in her existence. Yet she remains buoyant and thankful for all the lessons learned, and those she considers the blessings she has received. Starting out as one who wanted the simple things in life and a blissful love life, her journey, ironically, encountered complications she had no preparation for. She has a gift for writing and expresses herself confidently as a woman with a lot of grit, energy and talent, coupled with a well developed analytical ability , and an intelligent and perceptive mind. Her posts are always a great read.

Manilenya - This blog mirrors the aspirations of many Filipinos who seek a better life and a better future for their families abroad, removed physically from their loved ones. Manilenya's struggle with the guilt of being away from her young child finds solace in connecting with many other Filipinos in like situations as well as finding new friends based in Manila who offer encouragement and moral support. Her posts are at times witty, sometimes funny with lots of self-deprecating humor, yet always poignant and hopeful. Her intelligence and capabilities come to the fore despite the perceived limitations she has of herself, which she doesn't realize she has already transcended. She epitomizes this robust and pliable race whose humor is its best coping mechanism. It makes Filipinos proud to belong to this race.

My First Glob - This is the last, but certainly not the least among these selections. "R" is an enigma who is just a shade shy of creating a totally anonymous blog. But he writes with the kind of humor you might find in Hugh Grant or Pierce Brosnan. His comments are insightful, yet, as mentioned in the first paragraph, read like a literary piece or a series of notes written by an English professor on Classical Literature. His series of posts on a trip to Australia is worth reading as it provides a window to his spicy personality and charming character. The Spitting Vessel returns the honor to "r" for a well deserved award.

Fannie, Freddie, Foreclosures, and the Federal Funds

2008-09-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are largely invisible entities to the general public. They could even be mistaken as a Mom and Pop grocery store or male and female dolls sold as a couple. But these two highly influential institutions own or guarantee about half of the US mortgage market, with combined holdings amounting to $5.3 trillion. The sub-prime mortgage crisis that wreaks havoc on the US economy and affects the global financial system, hastened the decline of the prevailing economic structure, and exposed the malady of unscrupulous practices and malignancy of loosely organized models and methods. The untold misery and ruined lives of millions of Americans as a result of this crisis, rooted in the deception and greed that accompanied the rise of sub-prime mortgage lending, is the tragedy that will see no alleviation nor bailout.

Traditionally, banks financed their own mortgage lending and dealt directly with the home buyer, using their deposit funds for the purpose. The concern of the bank in safeguarding depositor funds was evident in its meticulous home evaluation and income capacity checks on the borrower. This process limited the amount of funds for home mortgage lending and was considered a slow process that would not meet demand. A new model was adopted where banks sold mortgages to bond markets and used the funds generated to grant mortgage loans without taking from their customer deposits. This increased the volume of homes sold that required the creation of 3 layers independent of the banks; the home appraisers, mortgage brokers (both dealing with the bank and the home buyer), and the rating agencies ( those who evaluate a bank's operations and provide reports to the mortgage bond market).

Freddie Mac (a nickname for the acronym FHLMC or Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation) and Fannie Mae (a nickname for for the acronym FNMA or Federal National Mortgage Association) are both GSE's (Government sponsored enterprises) but both privately owned and run entities authorized to make loans and loan guarantees on behalf of the Federal Government. Freddie and Fannie buy and pool these mortgages from the bond markets and sells them in the open market worldwide, as mortgage backed securities. Because of the millions of homes involved, the possibility of defaults from a home buyer or a bank can easily be covered by the discounted rate at which Freddie and Fannie pay for the mortgages and the spread they add when sold in the open market. All these layers above the home buyer are profit centers which are added on to the cost of the mortgage the home buyer will pay for the duration of the loan.

Fannie and Freddie thus protected banks from default losses by guaranteeing the mortgages they sold to the bond markets which they possessed, provided, the mortgages followed their guidelines. But many of these loans, a little more than half of $12 trillion were outside these guidelines due to the fast and fat profit potential of selling more in the shortest possible time. Connivance between the home appraiser, mortgage brokers, bank personnel and other parties enticed unsuspecting home buyers with deceptive schemes to sign up for a home - taking advantage of their desire for a better life, and pounding in their heads the fulfillment of the American Dream - owning a home. It would provide quality living and show them to be upwardly mobile, without stating that they will suffer the fate of Icarus.

Home buyers were offered a low fixed interest rate for two years, to lure them into accepting the mortgage offered. They were told that after 2 years, interest will be on market rates which may be lower or a little higher, but that they had the first 2 years to increase their incomes. These were actually "balloon" mortgages where the interest rates were deliberately lowered at the outset and the difference added to prevailing rates plus additional interest on year 3. The interest rates after 2 years were at times more than double while incomes remained flat and cost of living rose. Last year, 1.7 million families lost their homes and up to 2 million more are expected to be foreclosed in 2008. While some home buyers may be part of the conspiracy to defraud, these are minimal at best. Misrepresentation and deception, in the type of mortgage offered, the re-financing promise before the 2 years expire, value of the property, and even the reporting of the buyers income to the bank, were the standard practice to sell more and pocket huge commissions.

There is a glut of 4 million properties on top of continuing foreclosures that brought home prices down. This has resulted in losses to the banks for loans without the GSE guarantee; losses to Freddie and Fannie, who hold mortgages whose values have crashed; and pension funds, foreign banks, and many other small investors worldwide who included these mortgages in their portfolios. The crisis has affected the global financial markets and has created a credit crunch that suffocates the flow of funds.

On September 7, The Federal government announced a conservatorship of Freddie and Fannie, a huge takeover of both financial institutions with the Treasury department contracting billions of shares paying at the rate of 10% a year. The total amount could go into hundreds of billions of dollars. Analysts praised the move after the stock market rose the next day which is a profitable event for stock brokers. But this is a knee jerk market reaction as evidenced by the sudden tapering and decline later in the same day. It is possible that bond markets holding these mortgages rushed in to buy, hoping others would follow - then resold when the prices were up.

The takeover and bailout of Freddie and Fannie will save their stockholders and some of their investors who purchased their repackaged mortgages. Federal funds from taxpayers have been used to rescue the big corporations, but it will not be used to save the homes of these same taxpayers. The ambiguity of the Federal government's relationship with GSE's raises many ethical questions which are dismissed as mere conspiracy theories. Yet the taxpayers will be required to shoulder the cost of this bailout without clear indications of how much and how long - just like the balloon interest rates of the mortgages.

The automotive and Airline industries also suffered heavy losses, shouldn't they be entitled to a bailout too being big taxpayers? Has the United States become the bailout capital of the world for its decrepit business models, loosely structured operating systems, cross-eyed management vision, and unscrupulous business practices? Not if you are a home owner, a mere citizen who doesn't have the ear of the powers that be. One who cannot make significant contributions to their political coffers, and who cannot influence a bloc of voters whether these are bought, coerced, or convinced. Home owners, or former home owners, who need to wake up from this worst nightmare of their lives after being led to a mirage of their American Dream, will be voiceless, powerless individuals who have to bear the consequence of being duped for their ignorance.

Their loss is beyond money. It encompasses self-respect, dignity, self-worth, and crushes their spirit with a devastating blow to their belief in America and what it stands for. Their thoughts will be joined by billions of people all over the world, where no one understands what America really stands for.

Haaarrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Election Euphoria and the Economy

2008-09-07T10:37:00.000-07:00

America's two major political parties have both concluded their grand extravaganza - the culmination of the campaign's circus roadshow that would formally launch their respective choices, which they hope to inflict on fellow Americans and the rest of the world. The nominees have received their affirmation and adulation, as well as their financial support - reciprocating the gesture by way of declarations of hope, change, patriotism and victory; including the obligatory attack on their opponents that were lapped up by their respective hooting throngs.

The nominees acquired a boost of adrenalin, energized to fight on by the overwhelming acceptance bestowed by their party's delegates. In their massive numbers, the delegates have gained renewed confidence that their party will be victorious, they have screamed themselves hoarse and were totally absorbed by the euphoria of the political rally that may have blurred the true state of their economic existence. The hall is silent, the floor is littered, the balloons have popped, and the delegates are tired. But the frenzy of the convention lingers in their consciousness, and as they rest their tired bones and quivering muscles, they lie daydreaming of a better future away from the present that lulls them to sleep; without being aware that when they finally wake up after the elections, there is no future to look forward to.

While they were deliriously dreaming, America lost another 84,000 jobs. And with the upward adjustment for June and July, the nation has lost a total of 605,000 jobs in 8 months. The crippling downturn in the housing market and the credit crunch has affected all sectors, and employers have reduced their payrolls and production capacities for 8 continuous months. The Federal Reserve says the economy remained weak. In fact, it is deteriorating. It is faced with the twin threats of weak growth and rising inflation. The White House has lifted its deficit forecast for 2009 to $482 billion, and the stimulus package of $130 billion is expected to add to the deficit because of the economic decline. The White House figure does not include the $84 billion for the costs of its wars. The saddest cut of all is that while household income continued to decline, the Economic Policy Institute study cites that those at the top 10% of the income distribution ladder tripled their incomes in the last 2 decades.

This miserable situation is far from the bottom of the pit. The crushing blow will be the humongous bailout for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae who hold mortgage guarantees up to $5.3 trillion, plus the retiring 78 million baby boomers beginning 2010 with the attendant costs of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid; all unfunded Federal Obligations and the National debt, brings the total Federal burden to a whopping $ 53, 000,000,000,000 (53 trillion) or, $175,000 for each American citizen.

Regardless of what growth the economy does in the next few years which could add several billions in taxes, under present laws, these are already pre-allocated. There can be no funds available for programs that would alleviate poverty, nor improve health care, create jobs, and improve the educational system. It effectively removes democracy from the hands of citizens, especially the younger workers who will be saddled by priorities they had no voice in selecting. Yet they will be burdened with higher taxes and lower wages, in addition to the higher costs of living. This is the future both candidates of the major parties cannot be honest about, for fear of being punished by the electorate. It would be worse if they were both ignorant of these facts, but that is unlikely. Their only concern is winning and locking their hands on the reins of power.

All the rhetoric, the attacks, fighting slogans, promises of change and monopolies on patriotism are mere distractions. Barack Obama and John McCain have reduced the elections - one of the most sacrosanct elements of Democracy - into a battle of personalities that belittles the discernment capabilities of their countrymen, transforming it into a popularity contest comparable to selecting Mr. Alaska, or worse, Mr. Wasilla. Both candidates are involved in a cover-up if not deception, and are cloaked with heroism or reform. But underneath, they are similar entities carved out of the pied piper, who will use their trumpets to lure the American voters to drown in the murky river of debt.

Haaaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Painting for Posterity in Pisa

2008-09-04T23:51:00.000-07:00

Since 1372, when the bell chamber was finally added at the topmost floor, the city of Pisa had gained worldwide fame for its leaning tower. After almost 700 years, the tower may be relegated to the background. A massive undertaking has begun that has roused the Pisans into a frenzy of activity and excitement that's so competitive, political pressure from local officials and the city's most prominent citizens have been exerted. A 1,700 square foot fresco, depicting the life of Pisa's beloved Saint Ranierus has generated an enormous rush of applicants for inclusion in the project that would immortalize their images for several centuries.

For several hundred years, the practice has always been to include rich and famous patrons into frescoes; and in the finest Italian tradition dating back to the Renaissance, Luca Battini - the 37 year old master painter - sought 100 prominent Pisans to model for the leading figures in the frescoes. He also held public castings for 150 extras who will appear lifesize in the work. However, his search for a midieval face created changes in the cast of characters, such that common people were given more prominent roles that dislodged some invited citizens. Battini had rejected many applicants 3 to 4 times, but they kept coming back begging for even a small part. Pressure is strong apparently because Pisans feel strongly about their Patron Saint, or perhaps, fell even more strongly about being included in the frescoes.

Saint Ranierus was born into Pisan nobility in 1117. He took a vow of poverty and journeyed to the Holy Land, returning to Pisa where he conducted his ministry. He was known to be performing miracles in Pisa during his lifetime. His remains can be seen in a crytal casket at the Cathedral of Saint Vito, which stands next to the leaning tower. Ironically, Saint Ranierus will be portrayed by a Pisan actor who appeared in many smoudering scenes for the advertising campaign of Barilla pasta. The acceptance by Pisans of this actor, Roberto Farnesi, is nothing short of a miracle.

But the task facing Luca Battini is formidable and he feels dwarfed in comparison to the great masters who portrayed the History of Italy and the story of the Renaissance. While he is used to mixing his colors the way it was done 700 years ago - painstakingly grinding powder on a large block of slate and making his own canvass from linen and glue - frescoes are a different story altogether. The paints will be mixed with water and applied to a wet, fresh, thin layer of lime mortar or plaster. The pigments are absorbed as the plaster dries. The images will appear while the plaster is wet, but it is work under pressure. The warm climate will allow Luca Battini to paint each small section of the wall in only an hour before the plaster begins to set. The painting must be accurate and exact, since the colors take on different shades as the plaster dries. If mistakes are made, the section must be axed from the wall. This type of painting work separates the masters from the pretenders.

The frescoes will be divided into 8 enormous themes across the entire wall of the Church of Saint Vito. Luca Battini will use all of the ancient skills he learned on this most ambitious project he has ever embarked on, perhaps the most ambitious work of art Italy has seen in 200 years. Those who will be included may gain some measure of immortality, if global warming does not demolish the frescoes in a decade or two.

But perhaps the best thing about this project is that it is not about King Solomon. Otherwise, Silvio Berlusconi would force his inclusion as the lead character. But the 700 wives and 300 concubines of Solomon may be outnumbered by the women that Berlusconi would have to include in the frescoes.

Haaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Digital Distance of the "Decider"

2008-09-02T23:57:00.000-07:00

It was an unnatural and eerie spectacle for a two-term President to be delivering a keynote address to his party's National Convention via a remote video telecast. Beamed at the St Paul Convention Hall on a video screen was George W. Bush, asserting rather feebly that the man he defeated 8 years ago for their party's nomination should succeed him; and averred that he is ready to lead. His physical presence detached from the proceedings and his image standing at the Presidential lectern all by himself, speak volumes about his negative impact on the efforts of his party to win hearts and minds of the electorate this November.

Where the norm would be that a sitting two term President would be hailed by his party's rank and file, and be regarded as one of its most prominent and influential leaders; the McCain camp and other party bosses opted to cut his speech time in half and pushed his presence out of the Convention Hall so as not to dampen the electrifying introduction of their sensational Vice Presidential candidate. It was an affirmation that George W. Bush would be an un-entertaining and tedious baggage to their show and an effective counter argument to their hyped up rhetoric. It could be an ominous sign that John McCain, if he wins the election, will have to exert extra effort to erase the memory of the embarrassment that was George W. Bush. And this President Bush will be regarded as a forgettable malignant aberration that is best exorcised and surgically removed.

There is no doubt that George W. Bush still enjoys a high rating among party loyalists, but would perhaps choose to express this in private, or better yet at a safe distance. For all of John McCain's pronouncements of comradeship and brotherly affection for Bush, he believes that his success is hinged on an effective de-coupling from the President, to engineer a removal of their knotted umbilical cords; and eradicate the notion that his election is a third term for Bush. While no one expressed a sigh of relief that Bush agreed to a digital divide between him and the party's convention, it surely relieved the McCain camp as if a 4 foot rusty sword was pulled from their backs. Now, they would want that video moment forgotten to raise the excitement for the entry of Sarah Palin, and move George Bush to the unlamented list of pretenders of the GOP.

Surprisingly, George Jr's progenitors were there, and even more astonishingly, received resounding cheers and applause as they took their seats at the Convention Hall. They should take a considerable amount of the blame for inflicting such a congenital malady on America and the rest of the world. But it seems that the enormous volume of disingenious errors and carefully crafted deceptions have blurred their collective memories that George Sr. and Barbara Bush gave this planet the ever un-funny and shamefully ridiculous George Jr. For John McCain to say that he supports the policies of George W. and pursue an unlimited war in the middle east would be, at this point, political suicide.

That is not the sort of demise expected of him by the Republicans. They expect him, shortly after the elections, to commit himself to a natural spiritual freedom from this earth, so that their runner-up beauty queen can reign over the land as Mrs. America.

Haaarrrrrrwwwwk...Twooooooooph...Ting!

Demographic Deficiencies Down-Under

2008-08-31T23:15:00.000-07:00

There exists a dearth of men in Australia, not that most are homosexuals or have evolved into effeminates, but that the exodus of men between 24 and 34 years old, have depleted supply. Global warming may be bringing another damaging dimension, this time to the social weather of Australia. After losses caused by the drought, the men have sought better opportunities in other parts of the globe, leaving their country in male aridity or "man drought". There are about 100,000 females more than males Down Under, a paradise for men with Islamic orientations, but a woeful disadvantage for women with monogamous intentions.

The situation has become a game of musical chairs. Large numbers of Australian women have abandoned the countryside, moving to the cities for better job opportunities and lifestyles - leaving communities loaded with much younger males. The men have left the cities for jobs overseas. The gender imbalance in the countryside that's populated by many young men, and the concentration of many unattached women in the major cities, have compelled Australia's demographers to draw a "love map" to plot how the clusters of unattached men and women are distributed across the continent.

Australia is a big place, and even if the map could show these gender clusters, who should make the sacrifice of leaving their jobs and their lifestyles just to meet and mate? It sounds awfully primitive and predatory but that seems to be the concern of demographers because of the far reaching implications of a slump in the "happiness and gratification index", that would affect productivity and mental stability. Or, fears of a sharp rise in same sex relationships and marriages in the countryside and cities that would lead to a birth rate too low to sustain the current and future operations of the economy. No mention was made of adopting from Asian and African countries as an option, nor inter-racial marriage with the Aborigines.

A new approach was made by Mount Isa Mayor John Molony to draw women to his remote mining town which has an oversupply of men. He invited "beauty disadvantaged women" to Mount Isa where happiness awaits. He even stressed this description by citing the fairy tale "The Ugly Duckling" which turned into a beautiful swan - implying that getting a mate or the derivation of physical pleasure from such an arrangement will make any woman happy.

The invitation is ludicrous. It means that any woman who goes there admits to being ugly and desperate. And, any man who marries a visiting woman would have an ugly wife. Also, the presumption that a woman with a man would be assured of happiness only because she obtains a live instrument of manhood is a gross misunderstanding of what makes women happy. It looks at women as starved for sex; and men, as gifts from God, would satisfy this want by making them receptacles for their urges. But the mayor did say that beauty is only skin deep. However with the thickness of the mayor's skin in his declarations, it would perhaps take an eternity for the women to dig deep into that skin to find any semblance of beauty in the men's attitudes and values. If it exists at all.

Perhaps the absence of women has already affected their thinking patterns and reasoning abilities. No such pronouncements has been aired by women who seem to be going about their business enjoying freedom and independence in their careers and lifestyles. If the officials of Mount Isa are fearful of the transformation of their community into "Brokeback Isa", perhaps they could try kangaroos instead. They don't seem to have any preference for looks anyway.

Haaarrrrwwwwwwk...Twooooooph...Ting!

GOP's Gender Gambit

2008-08-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

After 8 years of making the office of the Vice President the de facto President with Dick Cheney, a maneuver stealthily undertaken by Cheney and David Addington; the Republicans are now proposing to transform the same office into an apprenticeship program for the highest office of the country. George W. Bush was rendered a puppet President by the previous alteration that became so obvious he had to declare himself the "Decider" (sic). Now, the GOP hopes to make the office of the Vice President a scholarship project with experiments in gender acceptability and suitability.

The selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is undoubtedly a brilliant move. She will add luster to the boring campaign of John McCain and energize the tired and geriatric appearance of the GOP Presidential candidate. No sooner than her selection was announced, the Republican propaganda machinery headed by Fox network, expressed public opinion influencing statements extolling her qualifications and background. The media machinery of the GOP has been busy promoting her and creating news stories that step over the main candidate. Conservative bloggers who had previously rejected McCain but consistently bashed Obama are all praises for theVP nominee, and state that they will now vote for McCain because of Sarah Palin; who is a stunner and a former beauty queen.

They have now changed their minds because of a woman, after trashing Hillary because she was a woman. If Hillary had been a beauty queen, could they have accepted her? There is also the angle that Palin is not a lawyer which is ideal as far as they're concerned. Perhaps Hillary should have had 5 children too and perhaps played hockey? The conservatives have thrown their conservatism out the window because she is a Republican. And one with a lot of spunk, charisma, and a successful track record in governance and administration for at least 2 years. The Republicans have chosen someone better looking than Geena Davis to take over the Presidency as Commander-in-Chief. Strategically, her selection is a brilliant move. It is however, a gambit that is not foolproof.

The Republicans hope that Palin's youth would provide sustainable cover for the alzheimeric age of John McCain, rally the young voters to their ticket by her vibrant personality and younger than Obama's years factor, win over Hillary's supporters disgruntled by her failure to capture the DNC nomination, attract those voters who want a woman in the highest echelons of government, and provide a beautiful face for America in the global stage. Experience is her biggest drawback since 2 years as governor may not be sufficient exposure when transposed to the concerns of America today and in the next 4 years. So too would be her total absence of foreign relations and foreign policy expertise. Her role as facilitator for the President with Congress, Washington lobbyists, and power brokers could be detrimental to her longevity if she pursues her former tack. Her acquiesance, on the other hand, could transform her into a Washington type politician in a very short time.

The empowerment of women and their involvement in the highest positions of the country must be supported and advanced, provided this is not a ploy against all women aspiring for higher position. If elected and she is led to fail in this post, it would take a whole generation before another woman could be trusted with such a post or higher. America is late in this development and it has taken a long struggle to get to this point. If she is merely a smokescreen to get McCain elected to continue the policies of the Bush Administration, then this could be damaging to the idea of having a woman President in the next 2 decades.

What American voters should bear in mind is the fact that if the Republicans win, it will be McCain who will be President, not Palin. And if the expectations of the GOP about what they hope to achieve with Palin as McCain's running mate are true, then they consider Republican supporters and American voters at large as an entity with a ridiculous incapacity for logical thinking, blinded by party loyalty that discriminates against the interest of the country as a whole. Party bigwigs and strategists most probably see American voters as manipulable, gullible, and possessed with brains that are valued in the organ donor market for their slightly used or mint condition.

On the other hand, all the enthusiasm and jubilation at the appointment of the sensational Sarah Palin may be appropriate and timely. McCain, who pales in comparison to Palin, could really use the sizzle she could bring to the campaign. The GOP could truly want both their nominees to win and would want Palin to be prepared immediately for the highest post, because, shortly after the election, they expect McCain to die.

Haaarrrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

The Thesis of Teacher Thea

2008-08-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

Teachers - once defined by their commitment to molding minds through the inculcation of values and knowledge were, for some time, considered a vanishing breed. The dedication with which practitioners ennobled their profession by nurturing the learning process of their students with personal involvement and sacrifice - elevated the profession to the highest levels of esteem society could provide. Their valued contribution towards development was critical in sustaining the future of a just and humane society.

Over the last 2 decades, this breed was thought to be extinct, replaced by the mechanical method of instruction bound by rules, procedures and statistical parameters that made education a rigid dogma - implemented by civil servants saddled by tons of duties unrelated to education and burdened by low compensation. This reduced the practice to near mendicancy and loss of self esteem that relegated the teachers to the dustbin of forgotten and regrettable professions. Only a handful of the very senior ones remaining seemed to carry on the nobility of molding upright citizens for the country. However, a new crop of teachers from the current generation have been blessed with the DNA of those highly respected teachers of the past. One such teacher is Althea Danielle Tolentino.

Teacher Thea is a typical single young woman on the threshold of joining the teaching profession. Despite having a more comfortable life than most students her age, she was never detached from the realities and circumstances that impact on the less fortunate children who do not have the opportunity for a college education. She consistently equated this unfortunate situation to the country's future, so much so that she chose an indigent community in Metro Manila to take part in the major portion of her thesis in Music Education major in Classic Guitar at the University of the Philippines. The thesis calls for the training of a group of people in classic guitar music for 13 weeks, and for this group to perform in a recital for the purpose. Teacher Thea knew that the skills her would-be students would acquire may give them some opportunities and open some doors to a better way of life after the recital. The training would be given for free.

For this training up to the recital, teacher Thea secured the commitment of a major music store to provide the guitars, which were to be returned after their performance. There were 11 students of various ages who signed up for the training, but who were skeptical about the learning they would get, or the completion of the timetable and program for the training. Teacher Thea understood this doubt since many broken promises from various sectors and politicians have jaded their view of do-gooders. The training began on July 3rd 2008 with the recital scheduled for October 5th. Only 3 guitars were available then, one belonged to teacher Thea, and the other two she borrowed from her friends.

After 3 weeks, the students were convinced by the seriousness of the effort and were thrilled by the skills they were acquiring. They also appreciated teacher Thea's empathy regarding their dreams and the predicaments that hinder these. Even the neighbors were getting impressed by the sounds they were hearing from the training site, and were excited at the idea of seeing their friends perform at the University. But they were practicing with only 3 guitars which teacher Thea entrusted them with, and which they passed around at the end of each training session to practice what was taught. They had not played together as a group and could not hear the full compliment of 11 guitars played at the same time. The company that promised to provide the guitars had not come through, and appeared to have reneged on their commitment.

Teacher Thea noticed the worried look on their faces at the end of 3 weeks and feared that the disappointment would demolish their enthusiasm. She was wrong. The students were actually worried that she would get a low grade for the failed training and time was running out. They were wrong too, because teacher Thea was less concerned about her grade, and was worried that the failed training would lend credence to their belief that this effort is another unfulfilled promise. The students showed her their drawings of guitar frets with dotted lines where the fingers for the chords should be placed, and told her that they could still practice the pieces selected - an action meant to motivate their teacher. She however, showed enthusiasm for this approach to discourage self pity amongst her students. But she knew she had to do something.

Teacher Thea posted an appeal on her Multiply website last August 20 citing the circumstances and requesting kind hearted people to lend guitars for the trainees. On the very next day, she received an overwhelming response with donations of cash and people unknown to her lending their guitars - dropping it off at the University's College of Music. She had enough for each of her trainees which were to be returned after the recital. She pasted the names of her trainees on the guitars for their personal use. Upon seeing their names and the instruments, the students were in near tears, and for the first time, they practiced and played together with the full compliment of 11 guitars.

Teacher Thea has enough cash to buy 4 good locally made guitars. If more donations come through, she intends to purchase a guitar for each of her 11 students to be given after the recital as a surprise gift.

What is evident here is the positive response to genuine and sincere endeavor, coupled with skill and applied with the acceptance and understanding of the needs of recipients - that unlocked the interest and aptitude for learning the skills taught; the creation of hope where resignation once thrived; and the recognition of society at large of the value that such an approach could engender which they have long sought and thought to have ended. No doubt, other pockets of nobility in the teaching profession exists in many parts of the country. One other such practitioner is teacher Yeng based in Davao City, who continues to upgrade her skills to have more meaningful interaction with her students through knowledge and understanding.

There is perhaps a new element that teacher Thea will add to her thesis: that in giving her utmost best and using all available avenues, learning and the enthusiastic embrace of the lessons taught will provide her such exhilarating satisfaction no other experience can match. That learning is nourishment for mind and soul. Finally, that those bureaucrats and politicians who have demeaned the profession should be banished from this earth.

Haaaarrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Bakaasi and the Baptism of Blood Oil

2008-08-18T23:58:00.000-07:00

As Cameroonians partied and celebrated on the beaches of the northern side of Bakaasi, some 300,000 Nigerian fishermen were forced to swallow the painful and bitter pill of eviction from the Bakaasi peninsula. The loss of their rich fishing culture as a result of the handover has destroyed their way of life. Some 30,000 of them had moved to a location set aside for them at Cross River state, but it has no access to the sea. Cameroonians will own the fishing resources, and look forward to reaping the benefits of the substantial oil fields believed to be deposited offshore, but remained untapped because of the dispute. This offshore resource could be their baptism into the realm of blood oil.

Nigeria observed its commitment to the rule of law, but challenged the ruling of the International Court of Justice against it based on a 19th century colonial agreement between Britain and Germany. Two years ago, it agreed to cede the peninsula to Cameroon – citing the bigger gains of its adherence than the pain of losing ancestral homes. The fisher folks feel however that the government abandoned its duties. The massive displacement of families from Bakaasi could provide a wealth of recruits for the “militants” who are in the business of “illegal bunkering”, and the way of life of these Nigerian fishermen may be transformed beyond what they bargained for because of their desperation.

These “militants” were once armed militias of state governments, recruited to conduct large scale rigging of the 2003 elections. After being abandoned, they turned to oil theft to fund their activities. Most of these militants are gangs led by commanders, who are constantly battling each other for a larger share of their clientele’s business. Their tasks are to provide security to the barges and ships engaged in oil bunkering and neutralize all interference to the systematic theft of oil. They bribe the Nigerian military and coerce local leaders to allow the bunkerers to pass. They are also used by their clients to blow up pipelines to force the oil companies to shut down the flow, allowing them to install taps and valves in the pipeline. The installation is usually done by an expert formerly employed by the oil company.

The oil bunkerers who hire these militants have formed a cartel, and are operated by some of Nigeria’s powerful political kingmakers who brandish immense political influence. Nigerian President Umaru Yar’Adua likened the situation to the blood diamonds that resulted in brutal civil wars in West Africa, and has called on the international community to assist in ending this illegal trade. Some members of this syndicate may even be supporters and financiers of Yar’Adua himself. Going against them could induce a coup d’ etat, a civil war, or destabilization efforts that could bring the state to its knees. Yar’Adua is thus held hostage by the syndicates that affect his government’s efforts at eradicating corruption.

Less than a handful of the militant groups are genuinely inspired by nationalism. Most are engaged in selling their services to the cartel. This nationalist fervor is used as a cover by the cartel for the massive losses in oil supplies, attributing the theft to the cause of the pro-people activists. But militant assisted theft is just one method. Fake documents, excess loading of oil beyond what is allowed, or simply lifting oil from the dock and diverted to the cartel’s vessels; all with the connivance of oil company officials, ship’s captains and national oil state officials, are also carried out. Around 80,000 barrels of oil are stolen daily, bringing the cartel’s revenues to an estimated US $60 million a day. An amount they would kill for if this revenue stream were obstructed by anyone, including President Yar’Adua.

Nigeria has agreed to work with Cameroon to explore oil in the Bakaasi peninsula. This will involve officials and powerful political figures from two independent states. A partnership that may result in another oil bunkering cartel between the existing Nigerian syndicate and a new Cameroonian bloc. The potential for conflict exists in the essence of the greed and avarice underlying the illegal intent. And if suspicions on revenue undercutting occurs, the result could be bloody with overwhelming political repercussions – including war. Militants may be recruited from the displaced Nigerians, whose bitterness about their own country’s neglect could fuel their passions, but would suffocate their souls. Cameroonian hopes for a better life may be quashed by constant violent clashes with militants, or trapped in a savage war with their neighbors.

These events have not yet transpired but the elements for their fruition are already in place. It may take a couple of years or more for the actual oil production to take place in Bakaasi, if substantial oil deposits do exist. President Yar’Adua already feels his inability to eradicate the cartel as evidenced by his slowing down on reforms and corruption. Seeking assistance from the international community gives a global recognition to the problem, but it does little to impede the cartel’s operations. Either this is merely hand washing on Yar’Adua’s part, or a sincere and meticulous evaluation of the extent of efforts he is willing to take.

Being an intelligent and perceptive leader, President Yar’Adua perhaps realizes that the shadowy forces that lurk beneath and behind government and the aspirations of his people are serious threats to the progress and development of his country. Allowing them to operate unimpeded could return Nigeria to backwardness and despair. This is his Gethsemane. A confrontation with these shadowy forces is inevitable, but at a huge cost and sacrifice on his part – perhaps with his life. This would be the parameters by which his devotion to duty and love of country would be measured; together with the noble heroism by which he stands by his principles for the benefit of Nigeria and its people. Or, he can look the other way and be less than a mere shadow of himself, and the promises he has made for Nigerians. The forked road awaits him. Whatever path he takes, at the end of that road lies his destiny.

Haaaaarwwrrrrwwwk…Twooooooooph…Ting!

Advance of the Amber Americans

2008-08-15T09:35:00.000-07:00

The idea that America, as we know it today, would turn into the land of the yellows, the browns and the blacks in a short span of 34 years may be disconcerting to many conservative Americans. Caucasians have long dominated the population in terms of numbers, and the world at large has long gotten used to the country's predominantly white citizens as the traditional face of the American race. The minority status of Caucasian Americans is perhaps nature's way of reversing fortunes, and the acceptance or rejection of this evolution by the present generation will determine the smooth transition, or rough sailing, of this event.

The native Americans never quite reached that point of being dominant as they were decimated beyond ever becoming a majority in the nation's demographics. Prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus, they were all over the land. But they were unable to deter the illegal immigrants from pouring in great numbers time and again, violating their borders, slaughtering their livestock, destroying the environment, and destabilizing the ecological balance. They were unprepared for the massive influx of undocumented illegals whose weaponry were far superior to their arrows and spears. They were driven to wastelands after being reduced to less than a fraction of their number, where their way of life and beliefs would be eroded by psychological and cultural damage, to just wither and fade.

The US Census Bureau estimates that by 2042, or 8 years earlier than expected, Hispanics, Asians, and all other races combined will become the majority. No mention was made of Middle Eastern nationalities, but it will be a population that's different in age, race and ethnicity. However, the Caucasians will still be the major population group, accounting for 46 to 48%. The Census Bureau qualified its projections by stating that the numbers are subject to big revisions depending on immigration policies, and natural and/or man made disasters. This does not mean that government and industry would all be headed by non-Caucasians at the time, as many of these Amber Americans would probably still be children and infants.

But there would be changes in the landscape. We would see more tea houses than Starbucks; a lot of Dimsum, Sushi bars and Taco outlets, and a lot less of McDonalds; and plenty of steamed buns, spring rolls and Tamales outnumbering the hot dog stands 3 to 1. Kentucky Fried Chicken may probably be outsold by Yan's Peking Duck or Nguyen's Pho Bo, or even Pacita's Halo-Halo. There will also be changes in daily wear as traditional clothing of the more conservative members from various ethnic groups would dot the urban and suburban areas. Or, the American flag could be seen printed on a turban wrapped around the heads of many Asian men. The American accent may also undergo changes and its distinctions may be blurred (as in the Boston, New York, or Mid-West accent), and new words would enrich the American vocabulary - although these may not be immediately understood by all. Religion may be predominantly Catholic, or Buddhist, or Hindu.

Hollywood will produce movies in various languages, all with English sub-titles; and televison talk show hosts will have new faces. The Late Show with Dan Wong and Tonight Show with Juan Lanuza will top bill the airwaves. Country music and all other genre will sound funny compared to what it sounds today. Newspapers and publications will also have very different formats and concepts. US Ambassadors may be ethnically from the countries they are assigned to, and this could foster better understanding and world peace.

However, the reverse is also true. The ethnicity may engender divisions and bitter conflict among the competing races that may result in ethnic re-grouping; where the different states are dominated by a particular ethnic group. The unfortunate effect would be the break-up of the states into independent countries; and worse, warring among themselves.

There are many possibilities, some positve, some negative. How this is handled and managed by the country's leaders up to that point will establish how truly noble America is, and how much this rich aggrupation of culture and divergence could be harnessed and molded to make it the greatest country on earth. Or, the paranoia of many members of its current dominant population could impede this development, and it would lose the source of its wealth and power - as well as the intangible values that would make it the citadel of justice and equality. That is the saddest development of all.

Haaarrrwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

The Gaffe in Georgia's Gamble

2008-08-13T03:05:00.000-07:00

World leaders were celebrating peace, unity and sportsmanship at the grand opening ceremonies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, but deceit and betrayal were foremost in their minds. In the remote Eastern European state of South Ossetia, sinister plots were initiated as the world's attention was focused on the games; conducted by the minions of treachery and orchestrated by the congenital aggressors masquerading as defenders of human rights and democratic ideals. This duplicity wasted many lives and brought untold suffering to thousands more, but the unspeakable intent threatens to create tensions beyond the intensity of post war conflicts, that may cause irreparable damage to the fragile fabric of peace.

Georgia President Mikheil Saakashvili ordered an attack on South Ossetia last August 7, in a bid to retake the largely independent but internationally unrecognized state. Georgian forces, trained and equipped by America, were ferried from their posts in Iraq by US ships - where they were given battle experience - to form the Georgian frontline. The attack elicited a response from Russian troops stationed in South Ossetia, whose presence as peacekeepers was ordained in 1992 by Edward Shevarnadze, and who subsequently assumed Georgia's Presidency in 1995. At the time, Abkhazia and South Ossetia were embroiled in widespread inter-ethnic violence and wars; with Russian support, both regions achieved de facto independence from Georgia.

The South Ossetians are hostile towards the government of Georgia, where differences in language, culture, and way of life are wide and deep. Their long violent history against Geogia reached its tipping point in 1989, and since then, tensions have always been at fever pitch. In 2004, Georgia under Saakashvili reasserted its authority in the southwestern autonomous Republic of Ajaria. This success encouraged Georgia to intensify efforts at taking back South Ossetia; but with Russia's open assistance, the effort failed. South Ossetians have embraced Russia and have been issued passports as Russian citizens. The attack therefore on South Ossetia on August 7, gave Russia the moral authority and obligation to intervene not just as peacekeepers - but to defend its citizens from hostile acts of war and annexation - and to cripple the enemy's capability to launch another offensive.

It is believed that Georgia would not behave so audaciously without the blessings of the west and its benefactor the United States. The Georgian military was strengthened through a series of reforms after the Rose Revolution, which deposed Shevarnadze in 2003 and elected Saakashvili as President. Of its 45,000 strong force, 12,000 were trained and equipped by America and fielded in Iraq as part of the coalition forces. But these forces were no match for the Russian presence which destroyed Georgia's military hardware and facilities in the 5 day battle; and severely weakened the morale of its soldiers. More than this, President Saakashvili may have lost all credibility in reasserting Georgian power in this Eastern European enclave.

Mikheil Saakashvili and his western backers grossly misjudged Russia's response to this aggression, and miscalculated the extent of the very thorough trashing of its forces and military equipment. He overplayed a weak position to begin with by attacking "Russian citizens", hoping the shadow of the US-NATO alliance would bluff Russia to acquiesce. He was dead wrong. He also failed to read the mindset of Russia's leaders where since the Orange Revolution in Ukraine resulting in that state's alliance with the west, Moscow made preparations to strengthen its political structures and systems - expecting this event to be exported to Russian soil. Moscow also saw fit to deem Ukraine and Georgia as hostile influences.

The West's response was to call a halt to "Russian Aggression" and flashed news of "1,500 deaths as Russia Bombs Georgia". The biased and slanted reporting and delicate formulation of stories creates impressions of Russia as the one taking the offensive. Photos of a burning apartment block that was missed by a bomb targeted for a military facility adds credence to the slant. But no photos of the devastation of South Ossetia's capital has been shown. The orchestration of the media has long been prepared by the west for this act of aggression, but the results on the ground are a lot different from what they expected. Russia rightly delayed accepting the ceasefire until they were in a stronger position from where they could dictate the terms. The US-Nato ploy has backfired.

Russia was very displeased when the US-Nato supported and recognized Kosovo's declaration of independence a few months back. The west celebrated the right of Albanians to declare their freedom and seek their own path of development away from Serbia. This event was in the back of Moscow's mind, and it bolstered its own argument for intervention in South Ossetia by using the wests's policy of allowing smaller ethnic groups to declare their freedom from a larger state, where ethnic differences and a long history of violent conflicts have no possibility of merging or consolidating as one. In addition, Russia sees the series of interventions by the west as encirclement of its own country, with the alignment of Ukraine, Georgia and Kosovo to the west, as well as the pincer approach to Iran from Afghanistan and Iraq - effectively cutting off the Caspian Sea - where oil supplies from the middle east by-pass Russia.

The US-Nato combine can move to expel Russia as a peacekeeper because it is a participant in the conflict, and acted as an aggressor. Moscow can counter that it did its job as peacekeeper by pushing back the real aggressor into the former boundaries prior to the conflict. If that fails, Russia can always claim to have defended its citizens from attack. The end game may result in a diplomatic stalemate but Russia has won this exchange. It has effectively demolished the Georgian military whose backers are still fighting on two fronts and cannot afford to antagonize a positioned bear ready to strike. Russia has also weakened Saakashvili, whose opponents may demand his resignation for the heavy price they'll have to pay for this mis-adventure.

The US-NATO combine will certainly pull back and limit themselves to diplomatic sound bytes on peace and liberty in an attempt to picture Russia as a hegemonist - then will scheme at a later date to orchestrate another offensive - all in the name of democracy and the western way of life. When in fact, it's oil that has always been the issue, and the control of supplies and reserves globally; to the point of waging war and induce savage acts of cruelty on hapless populations, all in the name of freedom, human rights and democratic ideals.

Haaarrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!

Mandate to Mend and to Marry

2008-08-10T01:40:00.000-07:00

Bello Abubakar had been sought for his ability to cure, and his reputation as a healer is surpassed only by the frequency with which God communicates with him. Over the last several decades, he has healed ailments that he sees and simply removes, because of what he claims is the power granted by Allah. Among the many he has healed are women, and he married 86 of them - siring a total of 176 children. Apparently, the power includes a substantial amount of animal magnetism that induces endurance as well. It is a force of healing and breeding that has transformed this former Teacher and Preacher into God's gift to women of Nigeria.

Bello may be a believer in the curative powers of love, and marrying those women whom God told him to heal and wed increases the potency and efficacy of his healing capabilities. But cloning technology may have to be applied to his passion for healing, because with 86 wives, he hardly has time to get dressed - much less heal. Or, he may need equipment similar to an ATM which dispenses his love juice that his wives can withdraw, to continue their lifetime treatment. The dispenser may be molded according to the structure of his endowment.

At 84 years old, most of Bello Abubakar's wives are less than 25% of his age, and a considerable number are younger than his own children. He contends however that no punishment is meted in the Koran for having more than 4 wives, and the boundaries are limited only by one's endurance, endowment and ability. Words spoken like a true love God. Moreover, since Allah specified punishment for fornication and adultery, he is better blessed because he married all of them. A love God of the marrying kind - truly a gift for womanhood.

Despite the absence of George Clooney's charm, Brad Pitt's physique, and Barack Obama's eloquence, Bello's curing skills are attested to and praised by all his wives. Perhaps his healing instrument is as phenomenal as that of Big John Holmes. Convincing all 86 of them is already a spectacular feat in itself, where most men cannot even convince their wives about coming home very late because a commercial jet landed on the freeway. They came with various ailments and all were cured. It is unclear if their ills were from the waist down. To his credit, Bello never left any of them - with 176 kids, it's obvious he always came.

Islamic authorities in Nigeria have been alienated by Bello's family life and have labeled it a cult. Most of his wives stay in an unfinished and fetid house in Bida, others in a house in Lagos. His wives do not work and there is no visible means of feeding such a humongous brood. But one wife said they ask the kids to beg for money, setting a quota for each that would suffice to feed the community daily. Often, it is insufficient. With hardly any time for healing new clients, his income declined, but his libido remains constant. He has already exceeded Jihad's promise of 76 virgins in heaven after death, enjoying heaven on earth while very much alive. Small wonder his wives believe he is next in line from the prophet Muhammad.

Seriously, this is another assault on womens rights and is definitely an injustice to humanity, but none of the wives will ever be convinced that they are being violated. The hunger and lack of education of the mothers and the children would be sufficient grounds to terminate this aberrant situation, but no action could be mounted. Oddly, Bello Abubakar advises all men not to follow his example - not because of the atrocity it creates but because they might collapse from exhaustion. Perhaps it would be ideal for Nigeria's pharmaceutical industry to analyze and recreate what makes him tick and to produce a product that would effectively compete with viagra from his DNA. It could generate more food for his family and provide an income stream greater than Nigeria's oil.

However, Allah willing, none of his sons would have the same healing prowess nor inclination for his tempestuous vocation. If not, heaven help the 69 million women of Nigeria, whose population may increase beyond what the country can possibly absorb.

Haaarrrwwwwwk...Twoooooooph...Ting!